On pg. 4, Cisneros includes a remark about Esperanza's house made by one of the nuns. She echoes that comment on pg. 45 when Sis
ter Superior has Esperanza point out her house, and Sister says, "that one?" Why does Sister point to the wrong house, and why does Esperanza nod, "yes"? Why does Cisneros echo her original comment?
She conveys that her identity is largely shaped by the shame of poverty. As the novel progresses, Esperanza's desire for a real home shape her individualism and determination.
Explanation:
Esperanza's shame is self-imposed. People do not try to make Esperanza feel bad. Even with the nun, Esperanza gets herself out of shame once she gets to the canteen. To succeed, Esperanza must overcome society's obstacles and also her own feelings of shame.
I think Esperanza did this because she was too embarrassed and already too overwhelmed by emotions to show which is her house, “And since I am shy, I don’t say anything, just hold out my hand with the letter.” (Cisneros 44) Unfortunately, since Esperanza admitted that the house next to the canteen is hers, this came with the consequence of Sister Superior not believing in the comment in the note since this means she doesn't need to walk far to get home.
