Literary Terms Review for "The House on Mango Street"

When reading "The House on Mango Street," you'll encounter several important literary devices that make the story come alive. Similes create direct comparisons using "like" or "as" (such as "Cats sleep like little doughnuts"), while metaphors make implied comparisons without these connecting words ("I am a red balloon tied to an anchor").

The novel is filled with personification, giving human qualities to non-human things ("Four skinny trees with skinny necks and pointy elbows like mine"). You'll also notice sound-based techniques: assonance repeats vowel sounds, alliteration repeats beginning consonant sounds, and consonance repeats consonants in the middle or end of words.

Vignettes are the building blocks of this novel—short, descriptive literary sketches that replace traditional chapters. Watch for motifs (recurring symbols or ideas) and imagery (language that appeals to the senses) throughout the text. Other techniques include onomatopoeia (words that imitate sounds) and hyperbole (extreme exaggeration).

Quick Tip: As you read each vignette, try identifying at least one literary device Cisneros uses. This will help you understand her unique writing style and prepare for class discussions!

Imagery in Action

Cisneros excels at creating powerful imagery that helps readers visualize Mango Street. The description "Bricks are crumbling in places, and the front door is so swollen you have to push hard to get in" appeals directly to our sense of sight and touch.

This example shows how detailed imagery can establish setting and mood in just a few carefully chosen words. The crumbling bricks and swollen door immediately tell us about the condition of the house without explicitly stating that it's old or in disrepair.

Remember: Strong imagery doesn't just describe how things look—it can appeal to all five senses to create a complete sensory experience for the reader.