1. Topic: House on Mango Street
Objective: I will gain an understanding of the background of this story and show my understanding in a summary.
What themes and topics are covered in the novel and how might this relate to me?

2. Sandra Cisneros Born 1954 in Chicago
Addresses issues of Hispanic American women
House on Mango Street was first novel

3. House on Mango Street Main character Short, interconnected chapters
Esperanza
Struggling to grow up in Chicago's poverty-stricken south side
Short, interconnected chapters
“Lyrical narratives, vivid dialogue, and powerful descriptions”
Written in vignettes

4. Vignette
Short scene that focuses on one moment or gives insight into a character, idea, or setting
Poetic language
Simile
Metaphor
Imagery

5. House on Mango Intro Read the back cover
Look at illustrations on front and back
Look at table of contents
Flip through book

6. House on Mango Street Topics: what is being said about the following?
Identity
Community / Neighborhood
Freedom / Growth
Fitting In
Coming of Age
Home / Belonging

7. Essential Theme Questions
How does environment shape our identity?
What identities, if any, are permanent and which do we have the power to change?
What roles do neighborhood and community play in shaping who we become?

8. Names
What is the personal significance of your given name (first, middle and last)?
Does your name mean different things to you, your family, and your friends?
What are your nicknames? What do your nicknames mean to you and those who call you those names?

9. “It means” (write three adjectives that describe you)
“It is the number” (write any number you want)
“It is like” (describe a color but don’t name it)
“It is” (name something you remember experiencing with family or friends)
“It is the memory of” (name a person who has been significant to you)
“Who taught me” (write two abstract concepts like “honesty”)
“When he/she” (write about something that person did)
“My name is” (“write your first name”)
“It means” (state something important you believe about life in 1-2 sentences)

10. Personal Vignette
Use the answers from the vignette questions to write your own personal vignette (approx 1 pg in length)
Use imagery, metaphor, simile or other literary devices we have studied to create a 'snapshot' in time about you, your life, your name, or someone to whom you are close.