Activity Overview
Throughout the book, there are a number of recurring themes. Some of the more significant themes in The House on Mango Street are the importance of names, the language barrier, and the power of words.
Using a traditional storyboard layout with a description cell, choose three examples of theme as they appear in the book. Illustrate each cell to show how the theme is described by Esperanza’s words. Under each illustration, include quotes from the text or a description of the theme.
The House on Mango Street Themes to Look For and Discuss
Importance of Names
Esperanza spends a lot of time talking about her own name and the power names have.
- "In English my name (Esperanza) means hope. In Spanish it means too many letters. It means sadness, it means waiting."
Language Barrier
The importance of spoken language is another subject about which Esperanza is quite verbal. Her father had issues understanding and speaking English. He jokes that he only was able to eat “hamaneggs” because it was the only food he knew how to order in English when he first came to the country.
Power of Words
Esperanza takes great pride in her own writing. The reader is able to see that language plays a very important role for Esperanza. Esperanza turns to writing and decides that she will use her writing to escape from the community she wants so desperately to leave.
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 that identifies recurring themes in The House on Mango Street. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from The House on Mango Street you wish to include and replace the "Theme 1" text.
- Create an image for an example that represents this theme.
- Write a description of each of the examples.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified and described. | Some themes are correctly identified. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| Examples of Theme(s) | All examples support the identified theme(s). | Most examples fit the identified theme(s). | Most examples do not fit the theme(s). |
| Illustrate Theme | Images clearly show connection with the theme(s). | Some images help to show the theme. | Images do not help in understanding the theme. |
Activity Overview
Throughout the book, there are a number of recurring themes. Some of the more significant themes in The House on Mango Street are the importance of names, the language barrier, and the power of words.
Using a traditional storyboard layout with a description cell, choose three examples of theme as they appear in the book. Illustrate each cell to show how the theme is described by Esperanza’s words. Under each illustration, include quotes from the text or a description of the theme.
The House on Mango Street Themes to Look For and Discuss
Importance of Names
Esperanza spends a lot of time talking about her own name and the power names have.
- "In English my name (Esperanza) means hope. In Spanish it means too many letters. It means sadness, it means waiting."
Language Barrier
The importance of spoken language is another subject about which Esperanza is quite verbal. Her father had issues understanding and speaking English. He jokes that he only was able to eat “hamaneggs” because it was the only food he knew how to order in English when he first came to the country.
Power of Words
Esperanza takes great pride in her own writing. The reader is able to see that language plays a very important role for Esperanza. Esperanza turns to writing and decides that she will use her writing to escape from the community she wants so desperately to leave.
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 that identifies recurring themes in The House on Mango Street. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s) from The House on Mango Street you wish to include and replace the "Theme 1" text.
- Create an image for an example that represents this theme.
- Write a description of each of the examples.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified and described. | Some themes are correctly identified. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| Examples of Theme(s) | All examples support the identified theme(s). | Most examples fit the identified theme(s). | Most examples do not fit the theme(s). |
| Illustrate Theme | Images clearly show connection with the theme(s). | Some images help to show the theme. | Images do not help in understanding the theme. |
How Tos about Identify Themes in The House on Mango Street
Engage Students in a Theme-Based Class Discussion
Invite students to share their thoughts on the main themes from The House on Mango Street. Use open-ended questions to encourage everyone to participate and connect personal experiences to the text. This builds comprehension and classroom community.
Prepare Discussion Prompts for Each Theme
Write 2–3 guiding questions for each theme, such as the importance of names or the power of words. Display them on the board to focus the conversation and help students dig deeper into the text.
Model Making Text-to-Self Connections
Share your own brief example of how a theme from the book relates to your life or experience. This demonstrates vulnerability and encourages students to make personal connections.
Use Think-Pair-Share to Boost Participation
Have students first reflect individually, then discuss with a partner, and finally share ideas with the class. This structure ensures every student’s voice is heard and builds confidence in sharing thoughts.
Summarize Key Points Together
At the end of the discussion, invite students to help summarize the main ideas that emerged. Record these on chart paper for future reference and to celebrate collective learning.
Frequently Asked Questions about Identify Themes in The House on Mango Street
What are the main themes in The House on Mango Street?
The House on Mango Street explores key themes such as the importance of names, the language barrier faced by immigrants, and the power of words in shaping identity and hope. These themes are woven throughout Esperanza’s story as she navigates her community and dreams of a better future.
How does Esperanza’s name represent a theme in The House on Mango Street?
Esperanza’s name symbolizes both hope and struggle. In English, it means hope, while in Spanish, it feels heavy and sad to her. This highlights how names connect to identity and emotion, a recurring theme in the book.
Why is language so important in The House on Mango Street?
Language shapes characters’ experiences and their sense of belonging. Esperanza and her family face language barriers that affect daily life, but writing and words also empower Esperanza to express herself and imagine a new future.
What is an example of the power of words in The House on Mango Street?
Esperanza uses writing as an escape and a tool for self-expression. She believes her words can help her leave Mango Street and inspire others, showing how language can be a source of strength and change.
How can teachers help students identify themes in The House on Mango Street?
Teachers can use a storyboard activity where students illustrate and describe examples of key themes from the novel. This visual approach helps students connect text with meaning and supports deeper understanding.
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