The House on Mango Street

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In how far does “The house on Mango Street” display a coming-of-age novel? A coming-of-age novel, or bildungsroman, deals with the development of a juvenile protagonist over a certain period of time and gives an insight on how the protagonist gets along with his environment. Usually, a bildungsroman begins with an emotional loss or a new environment that leads the main character on his journey to maturity. Since the genre of a bildungsroman emerged during the Age of Enlightenment, coming-of-age novels deal with the development of the character’s assets, the external influences on the protagonist and his education of mind. Usually, a bildungsroman begins with an emotional loss or a new environment that leads the main character on his journey to maturity. Therefore, in the beginning of the novel, the hero and his environment are opposed, because the protagonist does not see his ideals reflected in the realistic and hostile world that surrounds him. This contrast results into a conflict between the main character and society throughout most of the novel, for the relations of the main character to his environment influence his development and education. Facing many unpleasant experiences let the protagonist mature. In the end of his development, the protagonist finds peace with himself and reconciles with environment. Sometimes, after having achieved maturity, the protagonist is able to help others. Many of the typical features of a bildungsroman are displayed in Sandra Cisneros’ “The House on Mango Street”. The story begins with her family’s move to Mango Street and automatically to a new environment. With their new house comes disappointment, since their new home is not what they expected to look like. The period of time covered is approximately a year in which Esperanza Cordero matures both physically and mentally. In a set of vignettes an elaborate picture of her

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