Identify Themes in The House on Mango Street

Throughout the book, there are a number of recurring themes. Some of the more significant themes in The House on Mango Street are the importance of names, the language barrier, and the power of words.

Using a traditional storyboard layout with a description cell, choose three examples of theme as they appear in the book. Illustrate each cell to show how the theme is described by Esperanza’s words. Under each illustration, include quotes from the text or a description of the theme.

The House on Mango Street Themes to Look For and Discuss

Importance of Names

Esperanza spends a lot of time talking about her own name and the power names have.

"In English my name (Esperanza) means hope. In Spanish it means too many letters. It means sadness, it means waiting."

Language Barrier

The importance of spoken language is another subject about which Esperanza is quite verbal. Her father had issues understanding and speaking English. He jokes that he only was able to eat “hamaneggs” because it was the only food he knew how to order in English when he first came to the country.

Power of Words

Esperanza takes great pride in her own writing. The reader is able to see that language plays a very important role for Esperanza. Esperanza turns to writing and decides that she will use her writing to escape from the community she wants so desperately to leave.