"THE HOUSE ON MANGO STREET"

Activity
1. What will you do if your family transfer to a new place and you think you are not
belong?

 If this happen, it is normal to feel as if you do not belong in the specific place
because it is unfamiliar to you. You must modify and adapt to what place you
have so that you may make friends and feel like you belong to the place. Actually
I am originally from South Cotabato, but I study here in Tagoloan, at first, I was
uncomfortable with the surroundings, foods, especially, the people. It was very
difficult for me to adjust to anything, and I even struggled to learn their
language. I was very nervous, and I was lost in the place because I was too shy to
ask the people since our languages were not the same. But I didn't have a choice;
I conquered my fear and went from being a shy to a talkative person. Because if
you don't make an effort to feel like you belong where you are, you will never
feel like you do. So what I did was make friends and choose people I could trust.
They helped me gain confidence by teaching me how to speak their language
and so on. And then the years passed, and now I feel like I belong here; I've
adjusted to everything, and I've even adopted some of their practices and
attitudes.
Exercise
1. Why is Esperanza wanted to live the House on Mango Street?

 Esperanza wanted to leave their new home because she felt she didn't belong
there. It's not the best place for her. Also, Esperanza does not appear to have
any privacy. Accept that she lives in a place where many poor areas are racially
segregated; in short, she lives a life of poverty and judgment. That is why she
vows to one day leave Mango Street and live in her own home.
2. What makes Esperanza wanted to escape from reality of life?

 Esperanza did a lot of things to get away from reality, such as going out with her
friends. Friendships can be made by riding a bike, but realization will always
remind her that she is living a life. Circumstances abound and, in order to escape
from the realities of life, Esperanza begins to write as a means of expressing
herself and escaping the neighborhood. She began writing poems, which she
only shares with older women she trusts.
3. Who is the main character and narrator on Mango Street?
  The main character of the story is Esperanza, a 12 – year old Chicana (Mexican-
American) girl. She moves with her family into a house on Mango Street. The
house is a huge improvement from the family’s previous apartment, and it is the
first home her parents actually own. She wasn't used to that kind of environment
but as the days had passed, Esperanza managed to adapt her situation.
Assessment
1. What is the theme of the story?

 The story depicts a number of themes, including social class, race, sexuality,
identity, and gender, which are all intertwined throughout. The story has a lot to
offer its readers; it can raise awareness and realization in those who can relate to
the story in some way. For example, the themes of sexuality, race, and social
class are still prevalent today, and many people can relate to them.
2. What is the conflict of the story?

 The story's conflict is Man vs. Circumstances. Esperanza and her family moved
into their new home, and it appears that Esperanza is unsatisfied with her life.
She must adapt to her new surroundings and make some changes. She
encountered a variety of circumstances in that new location, including growing
up in a racially segregated neighborhood. She had been sexually assaulted and
had to deal with an abusive father, both of which had an emotional impact on
her.
3. What is the climax of the story?

 The story's climax begins when Esperanza reaches puberty. She went through a
lot of changes in her body at this point, as well as circumstances that targeted
her gender. She suddenly enjoys it when boys watch her dance, and she
fantasizes about them. Esperanza's newly discovered sexual maturity, combined
with the deaths of two of her family members, her grandfather and Aunt Lupe,
bring her closer to adulthood. These even caused Esperanza to be sexually
assaulted, prompting her to decide that she would leave in their place someday.

Reflection
1. What is your hopes and dreams in life? How will you make it realize to live a better future?
 My life hopes and dreams are simple. First and foremost, I want to complete my
studies and graduate from college. Second, I'd like to start working as soon as
possible so that I can assist my younger brother. Lastly, I want to provide a
comfortable life for my parents and to see my youngest brother finally
reached his dreams. All I want is for my family to be happy; I want them to see
joy and not have to worry about anything in life.