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The Move To Mango Street
Although her parents promised one day they would all move into a fancy new house, they instead live in a small beaten up home in an impoverished area. -
The Bicycle
A group of neighborhood kids tell Esperenza they will be her friend if she chips in $5 for a bike for all of them to share. She is so desperate for friends, she takes her sisters money to cover what she didn't have. -
High Heel Shoes
A wealthier old lady gives Esperenza and her friends a bag of high heel shoes. At first, the girls are in awe at the shoes and the attention it brings them. However, the girls soon feel uncomfortable from some of the creepy and unwelcomed attention from men. -
New Dress, Old Shoes
Esperanza begs her mother to buy her a new dress for communion. However, she is still ashamed by her old and worn shoes. She is humiliated and doesn't want to dance. -
All about the hips
Esperanza is embarrassed by her body when she realizes all of her friends are getting hips, and she is not. Represents the several self image issues she had as a child, and how she constantly compared herself to others, never feeling good enough. -
Witch Woman
Esperanza visits a witch woman to tell her future, hoping it will be bright and maybe a new house. She leaves disappointed. -
Self Worth
Esperenza feels ugly and awkward an ashamed of herself. She envies the power that beautiful women have over men. She starts leaving the table like a man, "without putting back the chair or putting up the plate" (35.5). -
Dream House
Esperanza dreams of living in a big home one day where she will be happy and not feel ashamed. She is determined to get out of Mango Street. -
I'll Be Back
Although she wants to leave Mango Street, she resolves that one day she will come back and the help others still there. "They will not know I have gone away to come back. For the ones I left behind. For the ones who cannout out." (p.110)
