Finding Home: The House on Mango Street

Lesson 12
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ELA

Unit 4

7th Grade

Lesson 12 of 22

Objective


Explain how Cisneros uses word choice and figurative language to develop tone and meaning.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros  pp. 58 – 64

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A Note for Teachers


The vignette "Born Bad" (p. 58) discusses terminal illness and death. Emphasize respectful communication, critical thinking, and context understanding prior to engaging in today's reading. Give students extra space to process their emotions if needed. 

Target Task


Discussion & Writing Prompt

On page 64, Elenita tells Esperanza that she will have "a home in the heart." What does she mean by this figurative language? What message is she trying to communicate to Esperanza?

Sample Response

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Key Questions


  • What is Esperanza's tone as she tells the story of her Aunt Lupe in the vignette, "Born Bad"? What does this reveal about her feelings about her aunt and what Esperanza "did" to her? Cite evidence from the text to support your answer. 

  • What is the mood inside Aunt Lupe's apartment? What literary devices does Cisneros use to develop the mood and the reader's understanding of this setting more generally? Cite evidence from the text to support your answer. 

  • How do the vivid descriptions of the setting contribute to the tone in "Elenita, Cards, Palm, Water"? Cite evidence from the text to support your answer. 

Vocabulary


Text-based

imitate

v.

(p. 59)

to copy; to follow as a model

ashamed

adj.

(p. 60)

embarrassed or guilty because of someone's actions or characteristics

sorrow

n.

(p. 63)

a feeling of deep sadness caused by loss or disappointment 

Homework


To ensure that students are prepared for the next lesson, have students complete the following reading for homework. Use guidance from the next lesson to identify any additional language or background support students may need while independently engaging with the text.

  • Book: The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros  pp. 65 – 78

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • Who is Geraldo and what happens to him? 

  • How does Cisneros characterize Ruthie? Cite evidence from the text to support your answer. 

  • How does Cisneros reveal that Esperanza is growing up in "Sire"?

  • What do the trees in "Four Skinny Trees" symbolize or represent to Esperanza? 

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Common Core Standards


  • RL.7.3 — Analyze how particular elements of a story or drama interact (e.g., how setting shapes the characters or plot).
  • RL.7.4 — Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama.

Supporting Standards

L.7.6
RL.7.1
RL.7.10
SL.7.1
SL.7.6
W.7.1
W.7.1.a
W.7.1.b
W.7.4
W.7.9
W.7.9.a
W.7.10

Next

Explain how Cisneros develops and contrasts characters' perspectives.

Lesson 13
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