Activity Overview
Esperanza never really liked Mango Street or her house there. Though she has friends, she never really feels like she belongs. She ages through the book, but doesn't lose her hopes of being different and less of a stereotypical weak, dependent woman. In the end, “the three sisters”, aunts of Esperanza’s neighbors, tell her that she will need to come back some day, to make a full circle of her life. In the last chapter, she asks who will change Mango Street and leaves the reader wondering if it will be Esperanza herself.
Create a storyboard that shows how Esperanza changes over the course of the book. Include her physical changes as she ages, her views about life, and how she sees the people in her life.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard depicting Esperanza's evolution through the course of the book.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Describe how Esperanza feels and grows in the beginning, middle, and end of the book.
- Illustrate her emotions and growth using appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 10 Points | Emerging 6 Points | Beginning 2 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Evolution | The character traits and evolution are identified correctly at each of the three plot points. The analysis reveals insight and understanding of the character's journey as a whole. | Most of the character traits and evolution are identified correctly at each of the three plot points. The analysis reveals understanding of the character's journey as a whole, but may be unclear. | Some of the character traits and evolution are identified correctly at each of the three plot points. The analysis reveals little understanding of the character's journey as a whole, and is unclear. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. Displays control of grammar, usage, and mechanics. Shows careful proofreading. | Ideas and quotes are organized. Contains few errors in grammar, usage and mechanics. Shows some proofreading. | Ideas and quotes are somewhat organized. Contains errors in grammar, usage and mechanics which interfere with communication. Shows a lack of proofreading. |
Activity Overview
Esperanza never really liked Mango Street or her house there. Though she has friends, she never really feels like she belongs. She ages through the book, but doesn't lose her hopes of being different and less of a stereotypical weak, dependent woman. In the end, “the three sisters”, aunts of Esperanza’s neighbors, tell her that she will need to come back some day, to make a full circle of her life. In the last chapter, she asks who will change Mango Street and leaves the reader wondering if it will be Esperanza herself.
Create a storyboard that shows how Esperanza changes over the course of the book. Include her physical changes as she ages, her views about life, and how she sees the people in her life.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard depicting Esperanza's evolution through the course of the book.
- Use the template provided by your teacher.
- Describe how Esperanza feels and grows in the beginning, middle, and end of the book.
- Illustrate her emotions and growth using appropriate characters, scenes, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 10 Points | Emerging 6 Points | Beginning 2 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character Evolution | The character traits and evolution are identified correctly at each of the three plot points. The analysis reveals insight and understanding of the character's journey as a whole. | Most of the character traits and evolution are identified correctly at each of the three plot points. The analysis reveals understanding of the character's journey as a whole, but may be unclear. | Some of the character traits and evolution are identified correctly at each of the three plot points. The analysis reveals little understanding of the character's journey as a whole, and is unclear. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the descriptions using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the descriptions, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the descriptions. |
| English Conventions | Ideas are organized. Displays control of grammar, usage, and mechanics. Shows careful proofreading. | Ideas and quotes are organized. Contains few errors in grammar, usage and mechanics. Shows some proofreading. | Ideas and quotes are somewhat organized. Contains errors in grammar, usage and mechanics which interfere with communication. Shows a lack of proofreading. |
How Tos about Esperanza\'s Character Evolution in The House on Mango Street
Set clear objectives for student storyboards
Clarify what you want students to demonstrate in their storyboards before starting. Specific goals help students focus on Esperanza's physical, emotional, and social growth throughout the novel.
Break down Esperanza’s evolution into key stages
Divide Esperanza’s journey into beginning, middle, and end stages. This structure makes it easier for students to analyze and visualize her character development as they work.
Model a sample storyboard for students
Show students a simple example storyboard using a different character or book. Visual examples help students understand expectations and spark creative ideas for their own work.
Incorporate quotes and textual evidence in each frame
Encourage students to include short quotes or page references in their storyboard frames. This practice strengthens text analysis skills and backs up their visual choices with evidence.
Facilitate peer review and discussion
Organize a gallery walk or partner share so students can give feedback on each other’s storyboards. Discussion helps deepen understanding of Esperanza’s evolution and builds classroom community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Esperanza\'s Character Evolution in The House on Mango Street
How does Esperanza's character change throughout The House on Mango Street?
Esperanza matures from a self-conscious girl who feels out of place on Mango Street into a determined young woman with hopes for a better future. Her perspective shifts as she recognizes her potential to break stereotypes and possibly create positive change in her community.
What are key moments that show Esperanza's growth in the book?
Key moments include Esperanza's realization that she wants more from life than her surroundings offer, her interactions with the three sisters who challenge her to return and help her community, and her final reflections on the need for change on Mango Street.
How can students create a storyboard about Esperanza’s evolution?
Students can create a storyboard by dividing Esperanza's journey into the beginning, middle, and end. For each stage, they illustrate her feelings, relationships, and changes using characters, settings, and objects that reflect her development.
What physical and emotional changes does Esperanza experience?
Physically, Esperanza grows from a child into a teenager. Emotionally, she becomes more confident and independent, shifting from feeling like an outsider to embracing her unique identity and ambitions.
Why is Esperanza’s journey important for students to study?
Studying Esperanza’s journey helps students understand personal growth, the impact of environment on identity, and the importance of resilience and hope. It encourages critical thinking about stereotypes and the power of self-determination.
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