updates | March 15, 2026

Why is Esperanza ashamed of wanting the music box?

Why does Esperanza say that she and Nenny are stupid for wanting the music box? Esperanza says they’re stupid because she knows that even if the music box were for sale, they couldn’t afford it.

What is Esperanza’s reaction to the music box?

When she hears Gil mention a music box, Esperanza thinks of a “pretty box with flowers painted on it” (Cisneros 20) – a mental image that fits a dream of a prettier, more beautiful life, just as she desires a prettier, more beautiful house. However, she is disillusioned when she sees Gil’s antique wooden box.

Why is Esperanza disappointed in the Fortune Elenita tells her?

Esperanza wants to know if there is a house in her future, but Elenita only sees “a home in the heart.” Esperanza is disappointed that she spent her five dollars for this, and Elenita can tell, so she gives Esperanza some superstitious remedies for ailments.

Who makes Esperanza feel ashamed of her previous house?

the nun
When she wants to eat at school, the nun makes her feel ashamed about where she lives—the second time a nun has demeaned Esperanza this way.

Who finally gets Esperanza to dance?

The House on Mango Street: Chapter 19 Summary & Analysis Everyone has a good time except for Esperanza, who is ashamed of her old brown saddle shoes. A boy asks her to dance but she declines. Finally her Uncle Nacho convinces Esperanza to dance, and they dance beautifully while everyone watches.

Why do the police handcuff Louie’s cousin?

Louie has an older cousin named Marin who lives with the family. She wears a lot of makeup and black nylons. Louie’s cousin crashes into a lamppost, and the police cuff him and haul him off to jail. The narrator says that she and Louie’s family all “[wave] as they [drive] away” (10.8).

How is the music box a metaphor for their neighborhood?

The Music box can be a metaphor because it the box itself is Old and not appealing to the eye but on the inside it has a beautiful sound. Esperanza is similar to the Music Box because she may not look like she has a lot of potential but she really does.

Why is Esperanza interested in Sally?

Sally becomes an important figure for Esperanza, as she represents a kind of sexual maturity that Esperanza finds intriguing. Sally appears to have retained her autonomy while still being desirable to boys, and Esperanza wants to befriend Sally and learn her ways.

Why is Esperanza afraid of Sire?

Esperanza is afraid of Sire because he makes her uncomfortable; she says, “it (makes) your blood freeze to have somebody look at you like that”.

What did Esperanza mother forget?

Esperanza’s mother forgets to bring new dress shoes. Esperanza is very embarrassed that she has to wear her old shoes, and it makes her feel ugly.

Why did Esperanza lie about her home?

Why does Esperanza lie about her home? The humiliating experience Esperanza endures with the nun is similar to experience in chapter 1, because in both cases, she was ashamed of her house.

Why does Esperanza lie about her home?

What does Esperanza say the Vargas kids dont?

What does Esperanza say the Vargas kids don’t have? (There Was an Old Woman) She says they don’t have respect for themselves or anyone else.

What happens when Louie’s other cousin shows up?

Louie’s cousin crashes into a lamppost, and the police cuff him and haul him off to jail. The narrator says that she and Louie’s family all “[wave] as they [drive] away” (10.8).

What does the music box symbolize in House on Mango Street?

The music box seems to symbolize Esperanza’s desire for pretty objects- very similar to her want for a beautiful house.

Who is Gil House on Mango Street?

Gil is an elderly African-American who owns what Esperanza calls a “junk store.” One day, in the midst of the items Gil buys and tries to resell, he points out to Nenny a music box.

What is Sally afraid of?

Summary: “What Sally Said” Sally’s father is afraid she’ll run off with a man and bring shame to the family like his sisters did.

How does Sire make Esperanza feel?

Sire is a neighborhood boy who Esperanza develops a crush on. She notices him looking at her as she walks by, and she tries to stare straight ahead and act unafraid. One day she looks back at him for too long, and she feels shaken by her emotions. Esperanza’s parents say Sire is a “punk” and that she should avoid him.

Who broke Mamacita’s heart?

What broke Mamacitas heart? Her own child, who she brought with her from Mexico, learns English. It breaks her heart that even he insists on speaking this “ugly language” that she can’t understand.