Cisneros uses various forms of figurative language to develop characters and themes in her work. She employs personification to show how Esperanza identifies with skinny trees and draws inner strength. Cisneros establishes a theme of self-determination through references to the "secret strength" of trees' underground roots, mirroring Esperanza's inspiration from within. Overall, the passage discusses how Cisneros crafts complex characters and themes of feeling like an outsider versus conforming through her strategic use of literary devices like metaphor, tone, and imagery.
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Homs06 b—thesis
1. Research-Related TEKS
• brainstorm, consult with others, decide upon
a topic, and formulate a major research
question to address the major research
topic.[20A]
• formulate a plan for engaging in research on a
complex, multi-faceted topic.[20B]
3. Thesis Statement and Topic Sentences
• Essential Question is the basis of
what statement?
• Thesis Statement
• Subsidiary Questions are the basis of
what sentences?
• Topic Sentences
4. Thesis Statement and Topic Sentences
• (Essential Question) How does
Sandra Cisneros use figurative
language to develop characters
and themes in The House On
Mango Street?
6. Example: Content Card
Personification / Character “Four Skinny Trees” 1
Example from Text: “Four skinny trees with skinny
necks and pointy elbows like mine.”
My comment: Esperanza identifies with the trees;
she sees herself in them. She and the trees share
similar physical characteristics. The trees are skinny
and angular; she is a skinny, gangly little girl.
1
9. Vignettes where you’ll find plenty of
material:
• My Name (p. 10)
• The Family of Little Feet (p. 39)
• Four Skinny Trees (p. 74)
• No Speak English (p. 76)
• Rafaela (p. 79)
• Sally (p. 81)
• Beautiful and Cruel (p. 88)
• A House of My Own (p. 108)
• Mango Says Goodbye Sometimes (p. 109)
10. Whatyou’re lookingforin yoursources
Figurative Language… that illustrates the development of…
Diction 1. Complex yet believable characters
Simile 2. A theme of “the outsider”
Metaphor 3. A theme of self-determination vs.
cultural determination
Personification
Tone
Imagery
Paradox
Analogy
How does Sandra Cisneros use figurative language to develop
characters and themes in The House On Mango Street?
ThemeHint:WhatdidEsperanzawantmorethananythinginherlife?