Esperanza has a very mixed view of men in this novel. Which male characters do you think she approves of? Do you think she will ever want to get married? Define a “coming of age novel.” Trace Esperanza’s growth from the beginning to the end of the novel.

Esperanza has a very high opinion of her father, who works hard to provide for his family, and accentuates the importance of education and socializing with nice boys.

Gil is seen as one who enjoys isolation and and seems to be rather surly. Esperanza is thus shocked to find him a kind man and pleasantly surprised by the gifts he gives the girls.

Esperanza's girlfriends have difficult relationships with their fathers, something she is quick to notice. Alicia's fear of her father results in her over achieving, possibly, that fear isn't as negative as Esperanza first suspects. Sally, however, suffers physical abuse at her father's hands, described as discipline.... and trying to keep her on a straight path.

In an interview, Cisneros said this about marriage, "I've never seen a marriage that is as happy as my living alone. My writing is my child and I don't want anything to come between us."