8th grade Summer Reading Assignment:
The House on Mango Street
Part 1:
Choose one of the two prompts to write a 5-paragraph essay complete with introduction, thesis, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Use examples from the text, direct quotes or paraphrasing. Be sure to include page numbers. Each text example must be backed up with your opinion or rationale. Do not use “I” or other personal pronouns. The essay must be between 2-3 pages, double spaced, 12-point, Times New Roman font.
You will be graded on the following criteria:
§ ideas
§ organization
§ originality of voice
§ editing/grammar/word choice
Options A: The circle is an important symbol in The House on Mango Street. Decide what the circle represents and use multiple examples of how it used throughout the text. Be sure to consider how it includes Esperanza’s sense of identity.
Option B: There are a variety of female role models in Esperanza’s life. Analyze how power or the lack of power is a central hardship these women face. Be sure to consider how it includes Esperanza’s sense of identity.
Part 2:
Choose one of the two creative options below.
Option A: Illustrate two scenes from The House on Mango St. You may use any medium (paint, colored pencil, collage), just as long as you completely cover the page.! You must also include a quote from the book (with a page number for reference) that each illustration comes from (should be written on either back or front). In your written reflection, include a paragraph about how these two scenes are different in tone or theme and how you showed this.
Option B: Write 4 poems inspired by The House on Mango Street. You will have 4 different types of poems in total:
a) A “found poem” that uses words or phrases from a particular chapter, or vignette. Try to make your found poem reflect something about the tone or theme from that particular chapter, but also be your own.
b) A poem from the point of view of one of the characters. What does she feel about her life and community?
c) A poem from the point of view of Mango St. itself. What does it see and feel throughout the book?
d) A poem of your choice. Anything! Just so long as it is inspired by The House on Mango Street.
Notes on part 1 assignments:
1. Esperanza has a variety of female role models in her life. Many are trapped in abusive relationships, waiting for others to change their lives. Some are actively trying to change things on their own. Through these women and Esperanza’s reactions to them, Cisneros’ shows not only the hardships women face, but also explores their power to overcome them. Check pages: 10-11, 26-27, 29, 31-32, 58-61, 67-69, 74-75, 79-80, 81-83, 84- 85, 88-89, 90-91, 92-93, 101-102, 103-105, 106-107, 109-110
2. The circle is an important symbol in The House on Mango Street, representing ways that many characters are trapped in a cycle of violence and poverty as well as the ways that community can help break that cycle.
Check pages: 26-27, 29-30, 31-32, 58-61, 65-66, 67-69, 76-78, 79-80, 81-83, 84-85, 88-89, 90-91, 92-93, 101-102, 106-107, 109-110