"WHAT CAN I WRITE ABOUT THAT NO ONE IN THIS ROOM CAN WRITE ABOUT?"
~Sandra Cisneros- Author of House on Mango Street
Where do we get our inspiration?
This is a video of an interview of the author of The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros. Watch the video, and answer the first journal question below.
Interview with our author about the book she wrote IN IOWA
Interview with our author about the book she wrote IN IOWA
JOURNAL #1
In your journal, write your thoughts on the following (based on the video clip you just viewed). What does she identify as her inspiration for writing this novel? What is it that she wanted to accomplish? What do you think she is saying when she tells us that she had to ask herself "What can I write about that no one in this room can write about?
Journal #2:
Based on the first two paragraphs, what would you guess the narrator's life has been like thus far?
Journal #3:
Has anyone ever made you feel the way the narrator feels when asked if she lives "there"? Do you think this person meant to make you feel that way?
Journal #4:
The smell of her mother's hair is nostalgic. What smells, sounds and tastes make you think of home?
Journal #5:
What do you think the narrator means when she says she is a "balloon tied to an anchor"? What qualities does a balloon have and what qualities does an anchor have?
Journal #6:
Esperanza does not like her own name. What kinds of things do you think she associates with her name that make her ashamed?
No journal question for Cathy Queen of Cats
Journal #7:
Do you remember the day you met a very close friend? Why do you think that is so significant in your memory?
No journal questions for Laughter or Gil's Funiture Bought & Sold
Journal #8:
Have you ever done something foolish like this that had a bad outcome?
Journal #9:
What kind of influences has Esperanza had in her life thus far? Do you have any similar people in your life?
Journal #10:
What do you think it is that Marin really wants? Are her dreams realistic? Does she have the resources to succeed?
Journal #11:
Do you think people should be scared to visit this neighborhood? If not, what are they?
Journal #12:
Is "giving up" the right thing to do for this family? Why or why not?
Journal #13:
What do you think the narrator means by the last two sentences?
"Is afraid of nothing except four-legged fur. And fathers."
"Is afraid of nothing except four-legged fur. And fathers."
No journal question for Daruis & the Clouds
Journal #14:
Do you think this is the end of the friendship? Why or why not?
Journal #15:
In what ways is the situation you just read about dangerous? Do you think the girls realize they are in danger?
No journal question for A Rice Sandwich or Chanclas
Journal #16
At the beginning of the Hips chapter, the speaker says, "They're good for holding a baby when you're cooking." What does that sentence suggest about the woman's role in this culture?
Journal #17:
How does the incident in the coatroom make you feel?
The speaker does not explain how she felt when it happened. How would you feel if it were you?
The speaker does not explain how she felt when it happened. How would you feel if it were you?
Journal #18:
This is a large responsibility for a young girl. Is this a fair expectation? Why or why not?
What responsibilities do you have at home that you don't think are fair?
What responsibilities do you have at home that you don't think are fair?
No journal questions for Born Bad or Elenita, Cards', Palm, Water
Journal #19:
What does Geraldo's story suggest about life as an immigrant in America?
No journal question for Edna's Ruthie, The Earl of Tennessee, or Sire
Journal #20:
What do you think these trees symbolize? Explain your thoughts.
Journal #21:
The end of this chapter says, "No speak English, she says to the child who is singing in the language that sounds like tin. No speak English, no speak English, and bubbles into tears. No, no, no, as if she can't believe her ears."
Why would Mamacita be so sad at the thought of her grandson speaking English?
Why would Mamacita be so sad at the thought of her grandson speaking English?
Journal #22:
Does Rafaela like her life? Why or why not?
No journal question for Sally
Journal #23:
At this point in the story Minerva is still a young lady. Can someone so young understand the emotions that go along with marriage and motherhood? Explain your thoughts.
Journal #24:
Have you ever felt this way about anything? Have you ever felt like something will always be out of reach for you so there's no use dreaming about it? Explain.
Journal #25:
Is this a valid way to earn independence? Why or why not?
Journal #26:
Can you make sense of this? Why or why not?
Journal #27:
In your opinion, what is the saddest thing about Sally's story? What options, if any, does Sally have?
Journal #28:
Why do you think Esperanza is so worried for this girl?
How does the boy's mother's response make you feel? Explain.
How does the boy's mother's response make you feel? Explain.