The House on Mango Street Projects

1. What do you predict for Esperanza's future? Write a short story showing what you think her future holds.
2. Read Woman Hollering Creek by Sandra Cisneros, which is a collection of short stories. Compare the stories to The House on Mango Street and note similarities and differences in the ideas and writing style. Write an essay comparing the two works.
3. Discuss with your group Cisneros's telling of her story in a series of vignettes. Was this format effective? Could she have told the story another way that might have improved it? Work toward a consensus and then have your recorder share your conclusions with the members of other groups.
4. Write a poem about Mango Street, as Esperanza might write one.
5. In "Bums in the Attic," Esperanza states that once she owns her own house, she will not forget where she came from, and that when passing bums ask if they can come in, she will offer them the attic and ask them to stay. Will she really do this? Or once she has a nice house away from Mango Street will she forget her past? Discuss these questions with your group. When you are done, your recorder should share your conclusions.
6. The House on Mango Street is unusual in its format. Imagine that you were telling a friend about this book. What would you say? Write down your impressions.

Curriculum Connections:

1. Hispanic-Americans of Spanish or Latin American descent comprise a major ethnic group in the United States. Research this group. From what countries do they come? In which areas of the U.S. are Hispanic populations concentrated? How well are they able to enter the mainstream? Write a report of your findings.
2. American culture incorporates the customs and traditions of many of the large ethnic groups that have settled here. It has always been this way. Find out how the cultures of people from Spanish and Latin American descent have found a place in the overall culture of the United States. Consider things like food, language, and specific events. Create a chart that shows your findings.

Return to lesson The House on Mango Street

Excerpted from English Teacher's Great Books Activities Kit.