Development Of Self -Identity In Sandra Cisnero’s Novel The House On Mango Street

Abstract

Literature consistently acts as a significant source that illuminates societal changes on all fronts. Modern books are not an exception to this rule. With reference to the chosen novel, this paper attempts to examine the social advancement and changes that racially divided individuals of their culture, have to deal with, such as identity crises, gender crises, and sexual exploitation of Chicano people. It has been designed to show how education helps women in need and is forsaken in order to advance the status of independent Mexican women as well as the advancement of society in the context of both Mexican and American culture. Given that her unique circumstances differ from those of other American writers, Cisneros's writing has been impacted by her experiences.  She writes not just about fictional characters but also about actual people she has encountered in her life. In her writing, Cisneros explores themes that are important to her, including friendship groups, feminism, civility, love, and religion. Cisneros herself credits economic disparity for her unique upbringing in a particular cultural hybrid, which has left her with unique tales to share. Elvira, Cisneros's mother, was a formidable female influence. Unlike her father, she was a voracious reader and possessed greater knowledge and social consciousness. These female figures represent the voices of the oppressed and powerful. The research is a critical analysis by employing both qualitative and descriptive analysis. The article intends to highlight Chicano women's desire for self-identification through the character Esperanza by employing the social identity theory for interpretation.