The House on Mango Street Chapter 22 Summary

Papa Who Wakes Up Tired in the Dark

  • Esperanza's Papa sits on her bed and tells her that her grandfather is dead. He cries – Esperanza has never seen her dad cry before.
  • Esperanza knows that Papa will have to fly to Mexico, and imagines what the traditionally Mexican funeral will be like.
  • It's Esperanza's responsibility to tell her younger brothers and sister the news, because she's the oldest.
  • This is different from the family's usual routine – usually Papa wakes up before dawn and leaves the house before his children are awake. Today Esperanza holds her Papa in her arms and comforts him.