Luke James Davidson Humanities 10/14/13 Oh, Just Grow Up At some point in life, everyone grows up and matures.

In the story House on Mango St., by Sandra Cisneros, Esperanza a young and self-conscious child goes through many life changing experiences. In the beginning of the book, Esperanza is insecure and childish, but by the end of the book she matures and finds her identity. In the beginning of the book Esperanza is a very hesitant and unsure child. For example, Esperanza starts talking about how boys and girls are so different, she says, Boys and girls live in separate worlds, the boys in their universe and we in ours. (Cisneros 8). It seems like Esperanza still believes in the childish notion of cooties. This also shows that Esperanza still doesnt understand or have an interest in boys. In addition, Esperanza starts to feel ashamed at a baptism party, she starts thinking, my scuffed round feet and the heels all crooked looked dumb with this dress so I just sit. Meanwhile that boy thats my cousin by first Communion or something asks me to dance and I can't. I just shove my feet under the chair. (Cisneros 47). This shows that Esperanza is ashamed of her shoes, and starts to act shy and self-conscious. This also shows that she is not strong enough to get past her self-perceived ugliness. But Esperanza, like all other people in life must someday overcome timidness, and childishness. By the end of the book, Esperanza matures and finds her identity. Esperanza is fed up with the idea of a man taking her away and controlling her life, she says, I have begun my own quiet war. Simple. Sure. I am the one who leaves the table like a man, without putting back the chair or picking up the plate. (Cisneros 89). This shows that Esperanza is growing up because she is starting to make her on decisions. She is also becoming more confidant, because in order to win the war she has to depend on herself, and her abilities. In addition Esperanza says before she leaves for college, They will not know I have gone away to come back. For the ones I left behind for the ones who cannot out.

(Cisneros 110). This shows Esperanza is finally maturing and accepting some responsibilities. She is also showing confidence to be able to come back to her home, but at the same time not be too attached. All in all Esperanza is a really dynamic charter. From the doubtful little girl in the beginning, to the confident woman in the end, Esperanza turns into a wonderful person. Childishness and insecurity plagues almost everyones childhood. Everyone grows up, but different people grow at different paces. Its the experiences that a person has that changes how they grow. At some point everyone grows up, and Esperanza is no exception. Sandra Cisneros trys to remind the reader of this through Esperanza, for it is an important part in everyone's life.