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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Nenny want to buy, but Gil tells her it is not for sale?

2. Louie is the oldest of ___________?

3. What is Meme’s real name?

4. The Vargas kids are without respect for _________?

5. Who does Cathy believe she is a descendent of?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Esperanza afraid of at the end of this vignette?

2. What do the girls believe hips are good for?

3. What does she mean by: “That is how it goes and goes”?

4. Why is Esperanza not afraid of the people in her neighborhood?

5. Why does Esperanza believe Mrs. Vargas is so overwhelmed?

6. Why does Esperanza write: “here there is too much sadness and not enough sky” (p.33)?

7. Why does Esperanza want to eat in the canteen?

8. What is Marin, Esperanza’s neighbor, waiting for?

9. Why is Esperanza embarrassed by Nenny wanting to buy the music box?

10. Why does Esperanza feel like a balloon tied to an anchor?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Womanhood

a. What are the stereotypes of women in Esperanza’s culture?

b. What strong female characters does Esperanza look up to?

Essay Topic 2

Toward the end of the book, Esperanza says this: "I have begun my own quiet war. Simple. Sure. I am one who leaves the table like a man, without putting back the chair or picking up the plate" (Chapter 35, pg. 89). How is this quote indicative of who Esperanza is currently, and who she will become?

Essay Topic 3

Cisneros’s Personal Background

a. How do you think Cisneros’s upbringing influenced her content in The House on Mango Street?

b. What specific aspects of Esperanza’s life are reminiscent of Cisneros’s experience?

(see the answer keys)

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