Name: Isaiah Graf Pd: _____ Date: _____

English 9
Close Read - The House on Mango Street- Boys & Girls

Read 1: Read the text to get the gist of the story.

Read 2: Highlight and label at least 2 instances of figurative language (simile, metaphor,
hyperbole) and imagery.

Read 3: For each instance of figurative language (Read 2), analyze and explain how it
helps shape Esperanza’s identity.

Complete the task at the end of the assignment.

For each instance of Highlight and label at least two instances of figurative
figurative language (Read language (simile, metaphor, hyperbole, imagery).
2), analyze and explain
how it helps shape
Experanza’s identity.
The boys and girls live in separate worlds. The
Esperanza feels like boys in their universe and we in ours. My brothers for
there's a very strong example. They’ve got plenty to say to me and Nenny
difference that separates
inside the house. But outside they can’t be seen talking to
boys from girls and she
girls. Carlos and Kiki are each other’s best friend . . . not
seems to live by this.
ours.
Nenny is too young to be my friend. She’s just my
sister and that was not my fault. You don’t pick your
sisters, you just get them and sometimes they come out
like Nenny.
She can’t play with those Vargas kids or she’ll turn
out just like them. And since she comes right after me,
she is my responsibility.
Someday I will have a best friend all my own. One
I can tell my secrets to. One who will understand my
She feels held down by jokes without my having to explain them. Until then I am
her sister in terms of a red balloon, a balloon tied to an anchor.
getting a friend.
Write one more paragraph to add at the end of the vignette that details what
Esperanza’s best friend would be like. Make sure to include aspects (character traits)
that you think would be important for her to have in a friend.
When I meet my new friend, she will not be afraid of me and I will not be afraid
of her. We can go to her neighborhood and meet her family. She will be able to meet
my family. Who knows, she might have a younger sister for Nenny to be friends with.