The House on Mango Street - One of the three sisters tells Esperanza, "When you leave, you must remember to come back for the others. A circle, understand? You will always be Mango Street. You can't erase what you know. You can't forget who you are" (Cisneros 105). What does she mean?

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Renee Hensley

English

5 June, 06:47

The House on Mango Street - One of the three sisters tells Esperanza, "When you leave, you must remember to come back for the others. A circle, understand? You will always be Mango Street. You can't erase what you know. You can't forget who you are" (Cisneros 105). What does she mean?

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Bennett Ward · Answer 1

The House on Mango Street is all about Hispanic-American identity. Esperanza and her sister live in a poor neighborhood. If Esperanza were to leave, she is counseled not to forget her roots. By saying "you can't erase what you know. you can't forget who you are," it calls back to Esperanza's origin and her upbringing. She didn't just live on Mango Street. Part of Mango Street defined who she was, so much so that the sister says she will always be Mango Street. Wherever she goes, she must carry this with her.