Often individuals are forced to grow up too quickly because of their surroundings. The House on Mango Street, written by Sandra Cisneros, is an excellent example of how a society has the ability to directly impact young lives, in turn creating necessary "rites of passage." Through her environment, Esperanza, one of the many girls living on Mango Street, learns how to survive in a world full the unknown. Some may believe that the setting for this novel has no bearing on young Esperanza; however, Esperanza's character and transition into adulthood are dramatically defined by her own surroundings and neighborhood.

Sandra Cisernos's The House on Mango Street portrays the story of a young Latino girl growing up in Chicago. She has a vision of what her dream home should look like. She dreams of a house with a large beautiful backyard, real staircase, more...