Environment is a catalyst that results in one's identity. Individuality binds the identity of an individual together, and this individuality is shaped by the individual's surroundings. Therefore, individuality through identity is the direct result of one's environment. In the House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros Esperanza's identity is formed by her surroundings. Individuality manifests when an individual becomes conscious of their surroundings because the environment shapes individual.
In the beginning of the novel, individuality begins to shape Esperanza. Sandra Cisneros emphasizes the beginning transformation of Esperanza's identity when she says “Until then I am a red balloon tied to an anchor” (Cisneros 9). Esperanza is being held…show more content… Cisneros proposes the Esperanza is beginning to become more aware of her environment when she says “those who do not who don't know us don't know any better, into our neighborhood scared they think we're dangerous” (Cisneros 29). Esperanza, becoming more aware of her surroundings, realizes her environment shapes the way people perceive her. She must change her environment in order for people to perceive her differently. Cisneros proposes Esperanza development of her identity, through the perspective of her surroundings, when she writes “I have decided not to grow up team like the others who lay their necks on the threshold waiting for the ball and chain” (Cisneros 88). Aided by the realization of her environment, Esperanza decides to not follow her expectation. Esperanza must further from her identity and individuality, and cannot do this with a commitment to an expectation. Cisneros verifies Esperanza's new sense of identity when she writes “one day I will pack my bags of books and paper. One day I will say goodbye in to mango. I am too strong for her to keep me here forever” ( Cisneros 110) . Esperanza fully realizes the surroundings she grew up in and she does not want to continue her adult life in her present environment. She realizes she must leave this environment to obtain more life experiences so that she can further shape her