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Prompt 01

Essay task

AP LiteratureCommon Core ElaIB Language & Literature

In The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros explores the motif of a house, serving both as a physical space and a potent symbol of identity, belonging, and aspiration. Write a well-crafted argumentative essay that examines how the symbol of "the house" transforms throughout the vignettes, reflecting Esperanza's evolving identity and her intricate relationship with her community.

Your essay should:

  • Present a clear, defensible thesis that explains the significance of the house as a symbol in the context of Esperanza's identity.
  • Utilize at least three specific vignettes as textual evidence to support your claims.
  • Analyze how Cisneros's use of imagery, figurative language, and narrative voice enhances the symbolic meaning of the house.
  • Discuss the conflict between Esperanza's wish to escape Mango Street and her sense of responsibility to return and uplift her community.
  • Conclude by linking Esperanza's personal journey to a broader universal theme concerning home, identity, or belonging.

Suggested Vignettes to Consider

"The House on Mango Street," "A House of My Own," "Bums in the Attic," "Those Who Don't," "Alicia and I Talking on Edna's Steps" > Length: 4–6 paragraphs | Format: Standard literary essay with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion

Prompt 02

Essay task

AP LiteratureCommon Core ElaIB Language & Literature

In The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros explores the motif of "the house" as both a physical space and a significant symbol of identity, belonging, and aspiration. Write a well-developed argumentative essay where you argue how Esperanza's changing relationship with the concept of "home" mirrors her larger journey toward self-definition and independence. Use at least three specific vignettes from the novel to bolster your argument, examining Cisneros's use of literary techniques like imagery, symbolism, and narrative voice.

Guiding Questions to Consider

  • How does the house on Mango Street initially fail to meet Esperanza's dreams?
  • In what ways do other women in the novel — such as Marin, Sally, or Mamacita — act as cautionary figures or foils that influence Esperanza's understanding of home and freedom?
  • How does Esperanza's wish to leave Mango Street coexist with her sense of obligation to return?

Requirements

  • Clear, arguable thesis statement
  • Textual evidence from a minimum of three vignettes
  • Analysis of at least two literary devices
  • Formal essay structure (introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion)
  • MLA or teacher-specified citation format

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