The House on Mango Street Quiz #1

How does Esperanza feel about the house on Mango Street?

• She loves it because it is finally a home of their own.

• She is disappointed because it is not what her parents promised.

• She is indifferent because she has moved so many times.

• She feels proud because it is bigger than her previous homes.

What causes Esperanza to feel ashamed of her house?

• A nun makes her feel bad after she points out where she lives.

• Her parents tell her it’s not as nice as other houses.

• Her friends make fun of it.

• She compares it to the houses she sees on TV.

What is the effect of the repetition of the word “there”?

• It creates a sense of excitement about Esperanza's new home.

• It emphasizes Esperanza's feelings of shame and disappointment.

• It shows how much Esperanza loves her neighborhood.

• It suggests Esperanza feels hopeful about her future.

What feelings do her descriptions of her mother’s hair convey?

• A feeling of distance and coldness

• A feeling of sadness and loneliness

• A sense of confusion and frustration

• A sense of warmth, comfort, and security

How do gender roles affect Esperanza’s relationship with her brothers?

• They are very close and always spend time together.

• Her brothers treat her equally, both at home and outside.

• Her brothers ignore her outside the house but interact with her at home.

• She is allowed to do the same activities as her brothers without restrictions.

Why does Esperanza use the following metaphor “I’m a red balloon tied to an anchor” to describe her sister Nenny?

• Esperanza feels free and independent.

• She enjoys being close to her family and doesn’t want to leave.

• She feels lost and doesn’t know where she belongs.

• She feels trapped and tied down to her little sister.

What are two possible interpretations of the color red in the metaphor: “I’m a red balloon tied to an anchor”?

(a)  

How does Esperanza feel about her name?

• She dislikes it because it feels heavy and reminds her of sadness.

• She loves it because it sounds unique and special.

• She feels fine about it and doesn’t think much of its meaning.

• She is proud of it because it connects her to her family’s history.

What is the history behind her name?

• It was given to her by her mother, who named her after a famous writer.

• It comes from a family tradition of naming daughters after flowers.

• It belonged to her great-grandmother, who was forced into marriage.

• It was inspired by a saint her family admires.

Why does Esperanza not want to be like her great-grandmother?

• Her great-grandmother was wealthy but unhappy.

• Her great-grandmother traveled the world, and Esperanza prefers to stay home.

• Her great-grandmother was strong-willed and independent.

• Her great-grandmother had a difficult life and felt trapped in marriage.