English 9, Homework & The House on Mango Street

Today in class, we continued reading The House on Mango Street and had an opportunity to discuss a few key ideas, including culture, assimilation, the melting pot, (fruit) salad and how language factors into all of these things. We also discussed recurring images in the book—women ‘stuck’ in places of passage (windows and doors) and the inability to fly, or ‘escape.’ For homework, I want you to consider how Louie’s cousin—the one who stole the car—plays into some of these ideas, especially escapism. Write a small paragraph (4-5 sentences) exploring Louie’s cousin and the significance of his actions. Have these responses ready to go at the beginning of class; we will use them for discussion.