House on Mango Street

In the chapter “House on Mango Street,” Esperanza is excited about all of the following in regards to her family’s new house EXCEPT...

• One of their family friends owns the house.

• They do not owe anyone rent.

• They don’t have to share the yard with people in their building.

• They don’t have to worry about making too much noise.

Who is Esperanza describing in the following quote (from "Hairs")? "Like little rosettes, like little candy circle all curly and pretty because she pinned in in pincurls all day... is the warm smell of bread before you bake it..."

• Herself

• Her mom

• Her aunt

• Kiki

Why does Esperanza not like her name?  

• She doesn’t want to be like her great-grandmother whom was also named Esperanza.

• At school people say her name “funny.”

• She thinks her name is ugly. 

• All of these.

In the chapter, “Gil’s Furniture Bought & Sold,” why do Nenny and Esperanza not buy the music box?

• It was far too expensive.

• Their mom wouldn’t let them.

• The box was not for sale.

• Nenny liked it but Esperanza did not. 

Analyze the role of the character Alicia in Esperanza's life. What does she represent?

• A symbol of escape and freedom

• A representation of traditional gender roles

• A source of conflict and rivalry

• A model of determination and ambition

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Which character in the novel represents the theme of escape and the desire for a better life?

• Marin

• Alicia

• Sally

• Cathy

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which quote best describes Esperanza’s friend, Marin?

• “And [she] just looks at them without even blinking and is not afraid.”

• “[B]ut I don’t want to inherit her place by the window.”

• “She can’t play with those Vargas kids or she’ll turn out just like them.”

• “It’s not her fault you know, except she is their mother and only one against so many.”

How do outsiders view Esperanza’s neighborhood?

• As a charming little destination spot.

• They are often scared and think the residents are dangerous.

• People pay little to no attention to her neighborhood at all.

• As a safe and welcoming community.

In the chapter, “And Some More,” a conversation about clouds between Esperanza, Nenny, Lucy, and Rachel turns into what?

• A discussion about meteorology (the study of weather).

• A teachable moment about the Eskimo people.

• A fight between the girls.

• A discussion of religion.

What do Esperanza and Nenny want to buy at Gil's store?

• a music box

• a girls music box with a ballerina

• an old pair of shoes

• a bike