Esparanza's expectations are typical of those who are her age. Esparanza has a positive, but sometimes naive outlook on her future. As she becomes an adult she has certain hopes and aspirations that come along with her expectations and as she gets older she is slowly realizing what expectations are realistic and what are not. Sexuality and gender are major themes in The House on Mango Street. As Esparanza is discovering her sexual identity she is realizing all the dangers that come along with that discovery. Cisneros also comment's on "sexual roles" played by the men and women on Mango Street and how they effect Esparanza's perception of sexuality, gender and how they shape her life. .
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"Now you know to talk to drunks is crazy and to tell them your name is worse, but who can blame her. She is young and dizzy to hear so many sweet things in one day, even if it's a bum man's whiskey words saying them." (p.41).
In the chapter The Family with Little Feet. Esparanza, Sally and Rachel find some high-heeled shoes which they practice walking in. They find it amusing that all the boys are looking at them, but a homeless man asks Rachel for a kiss for a dollar. They all never wear the shoes again because they realize that they messing around can become dangerous. One of the reasons that this is especially dangerous for them is that they are so young, and all the attention they get easily blinds their perceptions and ability to notice when things aren't right. Esperanza and her friends are always tampering with ways to look older and sexy. Because they are on the verge of adulthood, it becomes important for Esperanza and her friends to know how to be sexy when the time comes. This reflects on society's view of women. Sexuality is valued in a woman; and therefore, to be valued by men, it is important to be sexually attractive. Being valued by men becomes very important for the women on Mango Street because it means an escape for them.