The House on Mango Street is a story told through the observations of Esperanza, a girl of Latin origin, as she sees the world around her. Esperanza interprets the world she sees around her in Mango Street by paying particular attention to the women she observes. She sees everything from the language barrier these women face to their oppressed status. With these observations, Esperanza attempts to map out her life using the examples she sees around her. However, she realizes that she wants a different life than the ones she observes on Mango Street, so she ultimately points out the differences between her and the people around her to highlight the fact that she will leave Mango Street and has the means to do so. Through her perspective of observation and documentation, Esperanza demonstrates that she has a voice with her mastery of language and writing, rewarding her with control over her life and the possibility of finding a real home. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The best advice Esperanza receives comes from Aunt Lupe: “Just remember to keep writing, Esperanza. You have to keep writing. It will keep you free” (Cisneros 61). The language barrier is a major obstacle for the characters in the story. Describing Mamacita, Esperanza observes: “Someone said because she's too fat, someone because of the three flights of stairs, but I think she doesn't go out because she's afraid to speak English, and maybe that's the case since she only knows eight words” (Cisneros 77) . Everyone else in the community finds other reasons for this woman's reserved status while Esperanza sees that language itself can hold a person back. In Mamacita's case, he even separates her from her son when he begins to learn English. Esperanza also points out that her father faced a similar problem when he first came to America. He could only say "eggs and ham", so for three months that was all he could eat. With this strong emphasis on language, the author identifies a source of power through which to overcome one's circumstances. He understands the importance of learning and knowing the language well. In this realization, he is justifying his writing and conveying that his published writings alone mean that he has achieved some freedom and reclaimed a little control over his own life. This theme of having control over one's life permeates Esperanza's story. notes that the women in the story have very little control over their own lives. He watches Sally trapped in her home by an abusive and overprotective father. He sees Rafaela whose husband keeps her locked in the house while he goes out. Through these observations, Esperanza sees how life turns out for the women of Mango Street and wishes her life was different. However, his observations do not quench his sexual curiosity. She first experiments with being beautiful while trying on high heels, but finds it too tiring. Later, she is curious about the boys and expresses her curiosity while observing Sire. She shows off in front of him because, as she states, “I had to prove that I wasn't afraid of anyone's eyes, not even his” (Cisneros 72). He has control over this situation because he is still simply observing her reaction to him. However, she also discovers that such a reaction exists and is further intrigued. However, in “Red Clowns,” he has no control over the situation. In fact, the sexual encounter is strictly about control rather than love or tenderness as she has been led to believe. He states: “Sally, you lied, you lied. He wouldn't let me go. He said I love you,..