Esperanza once said, "Until then I am a red balloon, a balloon tied to an anchor." In The House on Mango Street, Esperanza mentions that "Boys and girls live in separate worlds. The boys in their universe and we in ours." This quote gives the reader the impression that boys and girls both have their restrictions. For boys, Esperanza talks about her brothers as an example, and says that they can't be seen speaking to girls outside of the house. Therefore, both Carlos and Kiki, her brothers, are each other's best friend as far as anyone else is concerned. On the other hand, Esperanza is limited to her interactions with other boys and girls. Nenny is Esperanza’s responsibility, being that she is older, so she can't have a best friend. In the book, Esperanza says, "Someday I will have a best friend all my own. One I can tell my secrets to. One who will understand my jokes without me having to explain them. Until then I am a red balloon, a balloon tied to an anchor." I think Esperanza means that her interactions with others are limited due to the responsibilities she has being an older sister. Nenny is not an ideal friend to Esperanza because she's immature, which means her mind probably wouldn't understand or connect to Esperanza's sayings or doings. Her actions as well won’t appeal to Esperanza’s knowledge. In the story, Esperanza displays herself as a red balloon that is tied to an anchor. Esperanza is the red-balloon and the anchor is Nenny.
I can relate to Esperanza. Sometimes when I have plans to go out with my friends, I get caught up with the problem of having to babysit my siblings. Other times, I may be occupied with a project or some sort and I'm really busy with it, but then my mother orders me to stop what I'm doing and go help one of my brothers out with his homework. You could say that I have felt the emotions of what Esperanza is going through. It is a tough time, but after a while you get so use to the feelings. To the point that it’s a part of your daily routine. I just hope that as the story progresses, Esperanza will find a solution to her absence toward social interaction.
Armani,
ReplyDeleteThis is insightful but still needs to be corrected in places. Also, beware of overstatement--saying that E. is "forbidden" to interact with others isn't accurate. She is expected to care for Nenny and it takes up all of her time. But her parents aren't dictators, for heaven's sake. And she is allowed to "associate with the outside world." Be careful that you don't use a sledge hammer when you should use a scalpel.
Finally, I like the last paragraph a lot. It's a perfect connection to the text. Still, though, there are many errors that must be corrected.
Please revise for an upgrade.
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ReplyDeleteFabulous this is. Impressed I am. happy you should be
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