Esperanza's Character Development in 'The House on Mango Street'

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Benji Essay The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros demonstrates the growth of Esperanza, not just as an older sister but as a person. This book shows her life struggles and what she has had to go through to enter life as an adult. Esperanza lives without a positive female role model, but will realize that she does not need anyone but herself. Esperanza goes through troubling challenges on a day to day basis and it has affected her maturity level drastically. Esperanza has not acknowledged the hard work life requires for great opportunities to appear. Esperanza’s father talks about his dream house but it baffles Esperanza. Her father says, “We’ll have a real house with running water, working pipes, a great big yard and grass growing without a fence” (Cisneros 4). Esperanza then contrasts that with her house and realizes that they do not have any of those great things. She just wants her house to change instantly. She does not understand that work unlocks the world of opportunities. Esperanza also lacks major social skills. She is frequently moving and making friends is a challenge for her. Rachel and Lucy, two girls she met, told her, “If you give me five dollars I’ll be your friend forever” (14). Esperanza happily accepts, which shows how desperate she is to make friends. Esperanza has yet to realize that she can not buy friendship or trust with money. Esperanza does not understand that opportunities come with time, and not to rush them because she may be left empty handed. Esperanza makes decisions that will lead her into her adult life. Esperanza learns how to walk in heels which ultimately demonstrates her unwillingness to grow up. She has fun with them at first but then realizes being beautiful is not everything in life. While they are walking around in heels, Esperanza, Rachel and Lucy received some unwanted attention from the guys on the streets.
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