House on Mango Street

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

46. What do the trees say to Esperanza while she sleeps?

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Esperanza's lyrical chant: "Keep, keep, keep trees say when I sleep. They teach" is a kind of spiritual prayer that helps Esperanza remain strong despite the hardships and isolation she experiences. Ironically, the trees symbolize community and not individuality. "Their arms around each other" represents a community and their mutual growth symbolize that Esperanza will not grow by cutting her roots. They all depend on each other- which is their reason for being.

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http://www.gradesaver.com/house-on-mango-street/study-guide/section4/