Esperanza must define herself both as a woman and as an artist, and her perception of her identity changes over the course of the novel. In the beginning of the novel Esperanza wants to change her name so that she can define herself on her own terms, instead of accepting a name that expresses her family heritage.

Esperanza describes the different types of hair of all the members of her family. Her own hair doesn’t do what she wants it to do, while her sister’s is smooth and oily. Her mother’s hair is beautiful and smells like bread. Esperanza likes to sleep near her mother so she can smell it.

At the start of the novel, the reader learns that Esperanza has no desire to stay on Mango Street over the long term. However, as Esperanza matures, she becomes more aware of the socioeconomics of her family and her neighbors. She comes to realize that their poverty is what keeps them on Mango Street.

The name Esperanza means “hope,” but she hates her name. She feels it means “sadness, it means waiting.” She explains that it was her great-grandmother’s name–a woman who was born in the Chinese Year of the horse, like Esperanza. She longs for a new name, one more like “the real me,” like “Zeze the X.”

In the city of Aguascalientes, Esperanza’s father, a ranch owner, is shot and killed by bandits while mending a fence.

How does Papa’s death change Miguel’s life? Papa’s death made Miguel free from Papa so he could do what he wanted. Papa’s death made Miguel throw a party and celebrate that he had died. Papa’s death change Miguel’s life because Papa’s influence was supposed to help him work on the Mexican railroad.

The book ends on the day of Esperanza’s 14th birthday and Esperanza has finally learned to be grateful for what she does have: her family reunited, friends who love her, and most of all: hope.

A family approaches them, asking for food. Esperanza gives them some food and gives the piñata to the children. Esperanza realizes how little these children have. Even though she wanted to give the piñata to Mama, she knows how much the children will appreciate it.

she had lots of dirty diapers to wash and the babies wouldn’t go back to sleep. Why did Esperanza, Irene, and Melina have to grab the babies and run inside? There was a thunder storm. There was a dust storm.

A young doctor explains that Mama has contracted Valley Fever, a condition that results from dust spores growing in the lungs. Esperanza is rocked by the news that Mama will take six months to recover – and she may not even live that long.

Deceased (1928–2004)

While she is waiting, a group of boys attacks Esperanza. She never describes exactly what happens, except that one boy forces her to kiss him and keeps saying “I love you, Spanish girl,” but it’s implied that she was raped.

the Catholic Church