Sandra Cisneros: The House on Mango Street and Isabel Allende: The Judge's Wife
Most of the characters in this book are women. Themes of femininity, coming of age, and female sexuality are dealt with within the narrative. Esperanza sees the power of youth and beauty has over men. At the same time she sees beautiful girls turned into weary women who must contend with abusive partners. Esperanza looks for a new feminine power to complete her transition into womanhood. She wants a power not connected to men and sexuality. She wants the strength and wisdom to become an individual woman in a patriarchal culture.
