The speaker, Esperanza, believes that Mamacita, one of her neighbor's wives, does not leave her house because she is afraid to speak English. Mamacita came to America from Mexico and only stays inside listening to Spanish radio. Her child is learning English, but Mamacita tells her not to speak it and cries. Esperanza thinks that not knowing English keeps Mamacita locked inside and that language is a source of freedom and power.

1. English 12
The House on Mango Street
Non Sereeyothin Period 5
#30
“No Speak English”
Quote: A. Speaker:
“Somebody said because she’s too fat, The speaker is the narrator, Esparanza.
somebody because of the three flights
of stairs, but I believe she doesn’t B. Situation:
come out because she is afraid to Mamacita is the wife of one of Esperanza’s neighbors.
speak English.” Her husband works hard which he comes home late
and go out early. This is because he wanted to bring
his child to Mango Street. Once Mamacita arrived at
the house, she never leaves the house. Esperanza
thinks that she doesn’t leave her house because she
doesn’t know how to speak English. Esperanza’s father
says that when he came to America, he knew only one
word, “hamandeggs” and he at it for three months.
Mamacita sits by the window all day playing with the
Spanish radio show and sings her homesick songs. The
child that Mamacita brought with her from Mexico
learns English. Mamacita says not to speak English and
bubbles into tears.
C. Significance:
In this quote, Esperanza sees that not knowing English
in America can keep her lock in her house. She
believes that it is because of language barrier, she
cannot come out. Mamacita has no power and
freedom. She has to live in an enclosure. Esperanza
believes that language leads to freedom.
D. Stylistic device:
There is a tone of curiosity in the quote which shows
many rumors of why Mamacita doesn’t come out the
house.
E. Connections:
In grade nine, I know a little bit of mandarin because I
just started learning. I had to go to IASAS Badminton at
Taipei. And whenever there’s a long break, I often go
out of Taipei American School and find something to
drink. I only know how to say bubble tea in mandarin
so I had to drink tea the rest of the IASAS week.