Poor Minority Women

A major theme in The House on Mango Street is oppression, whether among the poor, the minorities or women. As in Their Eyes Were Watching God, the ones who fit all three categories have little hope. Rafaela isn't allowed to come out because her husband deems her too beautiful. Sally, also because of beauty, is beaten and held back from her dreams. These two women (and others in the story) represent two generations, showing the cycle of oppression in this culture. It's a heartbreaking reality. Esperanza dreams of leaving it all behind, but how realistic is that dream? She allows seems to have harden her heart toward all men because so much of the oppression for women comes from the men in their lives. But can she keep her distance — and her independence — forever?