SANDRA CISNEROS “It was not until this moment when I separated myself, when I considered myself truly distinct, that my writing acquired a voice.”

EARLY CHILDHOOD Born Mexican American in Chicago, Illinois, in 1954, she grew up in poverty. Only girl in a family of seven. Her father is Mexican, her mother Mexican American Her family moved often between Mexico City and Chicago, keeping Cisneros from making lasting friendships Because of this, she became introverted and shy. She began carefully observing the people and events around her and recorded her feelings through secret writings at home. Cisneros wrote about Mexican/Mexican American women who find strength to rise above the poor conditions of their lives.

EARLY EDUCATION Cisneros did not receive good grades due to her shyness and lack of participation in class She was not comfortable sharing her writing feeling many of her teachers were not interested in her experiences. She was encouraged to share her writing in 10th grade. Her parents instilled the importance of education: Her mother made sure the children had library cards Her father made sure they studied so that one day they would not have to physically work as hard as him

EDUCATION Attended Loyola University in Chicago to study English (Her father thought she’s find a good husband in college). After college, she enrolled in a poetry section of the Iowa Writer’s Workshop (graduate school for writers). She was the only minority in her classes. Cisneros’ old fears about sharing her writing came back and she stated, “It didn’t take me long to learn […] that nobody cared to hear what I had to say and no one listened to me even when I did speak” in reference to the privileged classmates she was surrounded by.

WRITING STYLE Poetic Style Often writes about identity (feeling like an outsider because she belongs to 2 cultures) Writes about race, gender and class Often uses Spanish words in her writing (bilingual writer)

HOUSE ON MANGO STREET Published in 1984, series of vignettes (short scenes that focus on one moment or impression) The book is composed of a series of short stories told by Esperanza Cordero, a Mexican American girl growing up in a ghetto Chicago neighborhood. Esperanza wants to leave her poor environment to find a better life for herself. Based on Cisneros’ experiences living in a Puerto Rican neighborhood in Chicago.

INTERESTING CONFLICT The writer was in the news in Texas after she painted her house a very brilliant purple in 1997 The dispute went on for two years until it faded to a lavender purple deeming it “historically appropriate.” Final Note: Sandra feels it is important for people of all races in America to understand the lives of Mexican Americans, and it is her duty to write about them.

WORKS CITED www.galegroup.com/free_resources/chh/bio/cisneros