The House on Mango Street Vignette Project

The House on Mango Street is organized into a collection of short memories, called vignettes.

Throughout these vignettes, Esperanza is trying to come to terms with her identity. For this assignment, I want you to consider the following: Who are you?

After you have read The House on Mango Street, follow the directions provided below to create your own collection of vignettes.

Your steps: 1. Read The House on Mango Street to see how Sandra Cisneros creates a collection of vignettes that tell a story. 2. Read How Do I Write a Vignette? to become more familiar with the characteristics of a vignette. 3. Complete the Theme Brainstorming to get you started with some writing ideas 4. Start drafting! 5. Revise for clarity and impact.

Assignment Requirements:

 Create a cover page for your “book” of vignettes. This cover page should include the title of your book, your name, and a relevant illustration. You should also have a back cover, but this one does not need to have any text or illustration.  You must have FOUR typed vignettes that are at least two paragraphs in length. These paragraphs should be substantial. However, none of your vignettes should be longer than two pages.  Each vignette must convey a theme (think of the ones we have discussed in class) and each vignette must focus on a different theme (in other words, don’t write four separate vignettes about friendship).  Each vignette should have a title.  Each new vignette should start on a new page.  Each vignette must have at least two examples of figurative language (simile, metaphor, personification for example—look these up if you cannot remember what they are).  Each vignette must have description (imagery) to help your reader feel immersed in the story.  This is your time to break away from the traditional essay format. You can choose whichever font you like; however, it must be easy to read. Use 11 or 12 point font please. Be creative and have fun. 

How Do I Write a Vignette?

Remember that a vignette is: ● A form of a personal narrative or story (you should use personal pronouns in this form of writing) ● A short, descriptive passage ● a memory, thought, hope, dream, or idea

A vignette often includes:  Setting—background  Characters—may be real or fictional  Imagery & Figurative Language—provide vivid and descriptive details to help readers visualize the story  Theme—the insight about life

Think of a vignette as a short story, focused on a specific time, event, or moment in your life. It captures one moment, just as a photo does. You will tell this story using DETAIL, DESCRIPTION, & IMAGERY. Dive into the story like Esperanza does--make the reader feel like he/she is there with you.

Here are some ideas to get you started. You do not have to use these:

- What is one of your favorite memories? - What is your family like? Similarities? Differences? - Have you moved to a new place? Describe that move or your experience. - Describe a best friend or person close to you. - What is a childhood memory you have? - Describe a middle school experience. - Describe an experience where you’ve grown as a person. - Describe a family tradition or holiday experience.

Topics/Themes that we have discussed in class and related moments from my life:

Theme Brainstorming Worksheet

Now that we’ve read The House on Mango Street, see if you can find ideas for your vignettes that fit with the themes we saw in The House on Mango Street. This will help you come up with some ideas before you start drafting!

Themes My Ideas/Examples

Identity ●

Friendship & Belonging ●

Family ●

Culture ●

Role of Women ●

Boys/Girls ●

Home ●

Growing Up ●