1. “Laughter” and “Meme Ortiz”
Essential Question: What is the importance of laughter in life?
Objective: Students will read “Laughter” and “Meme Ortiz” from The House on Mango Street and respond to open ended questions.

2. Quickwrite
In ten years, what do you think you will remember most about where you live right now?

3. “Laughter”
In what ways is Esperanza’s sister, Nenny, similar to Esperanza? Support your answer with evidence from the story.

4. “Laughter”
What observation about family do you think Cisneros is making in this chapter? Support your answer with evidence from the story.

5. “Meme Ortiz”
Why do you think Meme and his dog both have two names?

6. “Meme Ortiz” Explain this statement using text evidence.
The huge tree in Meme’s backyard is a metaphor describing how the outside world views Esperanza’s neighborhood.

7. “Meme Ortiz”
What does the following passage from the story suggest about Meme’s character?
“This is the tree we chose for the First Annual Tarzan Jumping Contest. Meme won. And broke both arms.”

8. Closure
Cisneros uses similes and metaphors to describe the laughter of your family and friends. Using similes or metaphors describe the laughter of someone close to you.