In the house on Mango Street why doesn't Esperanza feel Nenny can be her friend?

Thank you for using the Jiskha Homework Help Forum. Nenny is the little sister and older sisters usually tend to consider the younger one a pest. She is also younger than Esperanza's friends.

To understand why Esperanza doesn't feel that Nenny can be her friend in the book "The House on Mango Street," we need to analyze their relationship and the factors that contribute to it.

1. Age difference: Nenny is Esperanza's younger sister, and often, older siblings may perceive their younger siblings as pests or intruders in their space. The age difference between Esperanza and Nenny might make it challenging for them to relate to each other or share common interests and experiences.

2. Cultural differences: Esperanza and Nenny come from a Mexican-American background, and their experiences growing up in a predominantly Latino neighborhood play a significant role in shaping their personalities. Nenny's limited exposure to the outside world and her innocence contrast with Esperanza's desire for independence and personal growth, making it more difficult for them to connect on a deeper level.

3. Different perspectives: Esperanza is an introspective and creative individual who yearns to escape Mango Street and explore her own identity. However, Nenny might not share the same dreams and aspirations, causing a disconnection between them. Esperanza might feel that Nenny cannot fully understand or support her personal journey.

To summarize, Esperanza might not feel that Nenny can be her friend due to the age difference, cultural disparities, and differing perspectives. These factors can create barriers to a deep and meaningful connection between the two sisters.