Akasha Casillas

Ms. Shaffer
English 1 GATE
20 September 2016
Have you ever wondered why authors use literary devices exactly?. Do you know of the
author named Sandra Cisneros?. The authors use literal and figurative language in their text such
as similes, metaphors, imagery, and others. They use these in order to express the specific theme
of a literary work. One author who benefits from this is Sandra Cisneros, she applies literary
devices to communicate her message in The House on Mango Street, a short book. The narrative
is about a 12-year old girl named Esperanza, who tries to seek freedom and discover herself.
Esperanza goes through this process by attempting to define herself using her name, getting
influenced by Sire, and admitting her identity at the end of the book.
Esperanza feels as if her name is holding her back from showing who she is, she does
not believe it makes a good impression on her. In the story the author expresses this by using
sensory detail, I would like to baptize myself under a new name, a name more like the real me,
the one nobody sees. (11). This quote shows that Esperanza wants to change her name so she
can be able to define herself on her own. Her tone was determined and was willing to make a
change. By examining this evidence, I believe its clear Esperanza is on the search to alter her
identity by herself and reveal herself in her own way. This is important because Esperanza is
discovering herself, it also proves that we were able to make connections since the author
included a sensory detail.
There were many people who had an influence on Esperanza, however Sire seemed to
make the most impact on her. In the narrative, the author reveals, I want to sit out bad at night,

a boy around my neck and the wind under my skirt. (73). This piece of text expresses Esperanza
wants to be like Sire, and go out at night with the boys and be bad. Esperanzas tone in this
piece of text seems to be as if she wants it but she knows its wrong. It also is an example of a
metaphor, figurative language. Based on this evidence, it describes Esperanzas journey to
finding her personality, she is being influenced by Sire.
Towards the end of the short-story, Esperanza concludes who she truly is, she indicates
part of herself. In the short-story, the author uses a metaphor to mention, ...but what I remember
most is Mango Street, sad red house, the house I belong but do not belong to. (109-110). The
quote showcases that Esperanza admits she is from Mango Street, however, that is not where she
feels she belongs. She believes she was meant to be somewhere else not Mango Street. This
supports my claim because it explains how Esperanza finds herself at the end of the book and
admits she is from Mango Street and will forever be, however has to leave the past behind and
move on. The author is also able to gave us an insight on Esperanzas feelings toward Mango
Street by using a literary device, a metaphor. This is important because now she can conclude
and not be ashamed like she use to be that she lived in such a place, but rather she learned to
grow from it.
In conclusion, figurative and literal language supported Sandra Cisneros in the
connection between the audience of readers and the central idea in the book. Sandra was able to
express Esperanzas rollercoaster of emotions through literary devices so we could have a better
understanding. Authors use Sandras method as well, to give us those real feelings associated
with literary devices to help us make sense of what theyre writing. The central idea in The
House on Mango Street is that Esperanza was just struggling for self-definition. This central idea
was supported by Esperanzas desire for a new name, Sires influence on her, and wrapping up

her personality.I believe we can all learn from this book and realize that everyone has a phase
like this, it might be difficult figuring out who you are. Although, once you do figure it out, never
forget who you really were, Esperanza promised to never forget who she once was.

Rubric rating submitted on: 10/3/2016, 10:05:30 AM by ashley.shaffer@salinasuhsd.org

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Comments:
M.U.G.: 10/10
Rubric rating submitted on: 10/13/2016, 4:11:47 PM by ashley.shaffer@salinasuhsd.org
2

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Comments:
M.U.G.: 10/10