Cisneros’ novel, with my understanding of Bildungsroman, became more interesting. The idea of Bildungsroman is new to me, but it is very easy to understand. The novel “House on Mango Street” falls into the category of Bildungsroman as Esperanza comes to a realization of who she is. Throughout the story Cisneros talks about the neighborhood, she speaks about her school and her family. She gives us a close look at why she desires a house of her own, her own Petunias and a place for her shoes beside her bed.  She wants a safe and private place in which she can be free and not be judged as to her sexuality.

Cisneros begins her story by remembering all of the places she lived in, she remembers not being stable.  Throughout her novel she speaks of the places she remembers that involve Mango Street.  All her memories come from Mango Street.  At first, Esperanza does not realize that her desire to leave Mango Street symbolizes her leaving her identity in search for a different one. She probably did not like living in a small run down home.  She might have not liked the age difference she had with her younger sister because she could not talk to her about herself and her sexuality.

Knowing where she came from and understanding herself is what it is important.  Knowing once sexuality makes living life a bit easier as one would understand oneself.  Esperanza’s leaving to come back is exploring her sexuality but remembering that she continues to be the same person from Mango Street.  Her sexuality does not make her different.