When Mr. Larson first mentioned a connection between Lucy (from 'A Room with a View') and Esperanza, I thought he was crazy. The characters could not be more different. Lucy is middle-class, well-bred, full of endless opportunities and luxuries. Esperanza is a minority, struggling in poverty, limited by her home on Mango Street. Right?
Although they are very different, both experience huge limitations brought on by their home/family life and cultural norms. Lucy is told to marry Mr. Vyse, a man she doesn't love, by her mother and everyone who surrounds her. It is acceptable for her to strive to raise herself up to a higher social class. She is a young woman, who should study, travel, and always uphold a high degree of modesty. These are her limitations, which seem to suffocate her at times. She finally finds a way to break free and seek her own happiness by marrying George.
Similarly, Esperanza is limited by the many suppressed women she is surrounded by and society's view of women's proper place. Eventually she, like Lucy, does rise beyond these limitations. She says she will leave her house on Mango Street, if only so she can return one day for the people that cannot leave. She will return for those she cares about, that cannot overcome their limitations.
Although they are very different, both experience huge limitations brought on by their home/family life and cultural norms. Lucy is told to marry Mr. Vyse, a man she doesn't love, by her mother and everyone who surrounds her. It is acceptable for her to strive to raise herself up to a higher social class. She is a young woman, who should study, travel, and always uphold a high degree of modesty. These are her limitations, which seem to suffocate her at times. She finally finds a way to break free and seek her own happiness by marrying George.
Similarly, Esperanza is limited by the many suppressed women she is surrounded by and society's view of women's proper place. Eventually she, like Lucy, does rise beyond these limitations. She says she will leave her house on Mango Street, if only so she can return one day for the people that cannot leave. She will return for those she cares about, that cannot overcome their limitations.
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