Esperanza's Identity In Sandra Cisneros My Name

Words: 127
Pages: 1

In the vignette “My Name,” Sandra Cisneros’ character, Esperanza, is embarrassed by how her name proudly shows off her culture. Cisneros writes how Esperanza’s name strongly identifies her with her culture and causes her insecurity, “At school they say my name funny as if the syllables were made out of tin and hurt the roof of your mouth” (House on Mango Street at 11). Esperanza is also made uncomfortable because she was named after her deceased great grandmother. Cisneros uses the grandmother as an allusion to what Esperanza wishes not to be, reined in and restricted . Esperanza’s name in the story is a focal point for her internal debate. It embodies her upbringing and family, but, in contrast, is what she wants to break away from.