Esperanza's The House On Mango Street

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The House on Mango Street offers a glimpse into a poor Hispanic ghetto of Chicago through a poetic collection of forty-four short vignettes. While many characters appear throughout, few as are important as the protagonist, Esperanza Cordero and her sister Nenny. Nenny offers Esperanza a chance to reflect on various issues young girls face rather than women. During a pinnacle chapter of Esperanza’s life she encounters countless tests of her nature and character; building on and pushing through the challenges of a young Chicana. While her sister Nenny provokes her to confront issues of responsibility, love (sex, emotion), and poverty, Esperanza is inspired and compelled to mature by other women on mango street. Esperanza’s character develops continuously and …show more content…
On many occasions Esperanza is encouraged by her sister to explore new levels of comfort, helping her on the path of uncertainty and curiosity as she transitions from a girl to a woman. Consequently, Nenny provides an outlet for Esperanza as she ventures out into the wild. They are free to roam the barrio, not yet cementing their place or role in society; however, with such freedom comes responsibility. Esperanza assumes this elderly role and fills the void of a female model Nenny can aspire to, reflect, and grow with. She takes note of her brothers relationship and although Esperanza claims “Nenny is too young to be [her] friend,” she seeks to care for her (pg. 8). Additionally, while Esperanza is shy to admit she was once her sisters age with similar problems, she learns to become responsible. Esperanza is very unsure of herself, just like she is cautious of her relationship with Nenny. She acknowledges the age and maturity difference heavily in the blooming of their friendship but yields to extend the offering just yet. “Someday I will have a best friend all of my own. One I can tell my secrets to. One who will understand my jokes without having
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