The first vignette explains how Esperanza and her family arrived at Mango Street. Even though the house is in poor condition, it provides the family with more space and more independence than they have ever had. The rented house allows them to dream of someday having a house of their own, a safe and luxurious haven for the family.

This dream is particularly important to Esperanza who longs for a space in which to develop her own habits and opinions, and for a security she has never known. A house in Esper

anza's mind, is not only a refuge from the world but also a sign directed at the world. For example, she believes that the condition and location of a person's house determine who and what you are. Therefore, in an attempt to make herself a better person, it is her longing and pursuit of a better home that remains the focus of this novel.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Mango Street, Beautiful Cruel, Sandra Cisneros, Linoleum Roses, Laughter Esperanza, ESPERANZA HOPE, mango street, house mango street, House Mango, identifying oneself, house mango, esperanza family,
Approximate Word count = 666
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)