The House on Mango Street: Finding Symbolism

Unit Two: Identity and Culture

Reading Assignment

• Read pages 19-38 of "The House on Mango Street".
• After reading, answer the following questions, including page numbers where appropriate.

Questions and Answers

1. List FIVE characteristics of Gil's Furniture a.k.a. the junk store.

   • Characteristic 1: Dark
   • Characteristic 2: Hidden
   • Characteristic 3: Mysterious
   • Characteristic 4: Place of discovery
   • Characteristic 5: Unknown
   • Page Number(s): 19

2. Why do you think Nenny is so interested in buying the "music box"?

   • Response: Nenny's interest in the music box connects to her past and suggests a desire for control and ownership. The music box symbolizes hope and joy for her.
   • Page Number(s): 20

3. List 4 characteristics of Juan (Meme) Ortiz's house.

   • Characteristic 1: Floor slants
   • Characteristic 2: Wooden house
   • Characteristic 3: Some rooms are uphill
   • Characteristic 4: No closets
   • Page Number(s): 21

4. How does Meme fall from a tree?

   • Response: Meme falls from a tree after he tries to impress other kids, leading to his injury. He ends up breaking both of his arms.

5. What is ONE inference you can make about Louie's cousin with the yellow Cadillac? Cite at least TWO examples from the text that support your inference.

   • Inference: Louie's cousin with the yellow Cadillac appears to be a character who enjoys flaunting her appearance and identity.
     • Type of figurative language: Metaphor
   • Example 1: "She wears dark nylons"
   • Example 2: "She wears lots of makeup"
   • Page Number(s): 22, 23