Socratic Seminar - House on Mango Street

Socratic Seminar: What are the major and minor themes of House on Mango Street?

Moderators: Tasnim/Esmeilyn

Checkers: Moumita/Tulsi

Fact Checkers: Nobab/Molk

Webbers: Francisco/Alejandro

Timers: Yuvraj/Sarkar

Police: Denilson/Taisha

Questions about the some of the people on Mango Street (15 minutes)

1)      What are some of Sally’s problems as a child and as a married girl?

2)      Why does Sally tolerate her abusive husband? -ED

3)      What is a possible solution to Sally’s abuse by her husband? -AC

4)      What are Minerva’s problems?

5)      Why does Minerva tolerate her abusive husband? – ED

6)      What is a possible solution to Minerva’s abuse by her husband? -AC

7)      What are Rafaella’s problems?

8)      Why does Rafaella tolerate her abusive husband? – MC

9)      What is a possible solution to Rafaella’s abuse by her husband? -AC

10)   Describe what happens in the hospital where Geraldo is dying. -ED

11)   Why didn’t the hospital immediately get a surgeon to take care of Geraldo? -ED

12)   How would Mamacita’s life be different if she spoke English? -EC, JH

13)   Who is Elenita?  Why did Esperanza pay $30 to speak to her? TB, FP

14)   Can you name the character whose life on Mango Street was most difficult?  Explain. MR, MAA

Questions about the main character on Mango Street (15 minutes)

1.       Why is Esperanza’s family poor? TM

2.       Who do you think was the happiest person in Esperanza’s family? AC

3.       How would you deal with life on Mango Street if you were Esperanza? - TM

4.       How would Esperanza’s life be different if she were born rich? -MR, MAA

5.       If you had access to all resources, how would you help Esperanza if you found out that she was raped? CI

6.       Why did Sally leave Esperanza alone at the carnival? -WP

7.       Was growing up on Mango Street good or bad for Esperanza? -MR, MAA

8.       How would you deal with life on Mango Street if you lived there? - ED

Bring Everything Together (10 mins.)

1.      What are the major and minor themes of House on Mango Street?