Relationships in To Kill a Mockingbird and The House on Mango Street The relationships between the trios in the two
novels To Kill a Mockingbird and The House on Mango Street are distinctly different like two sides of a coin. One face of the coin is in the light, more cheerful and innocent. While the other side that dwells in the darkness, is more sinister and deep. The contrast between the loyalties in Mockingbird and the betrayals in Mango Street plays a major part in their relationships. Although, not all relationships are just toward one another. Relationships with the environment also play a major roll in determining the trios outcome. The trio, Scout, Dill and Jem in To Kill a Mockingbird, share what people would say a typical countryside relationship. Just like kids growing up, they are curious and playful to the point of promising to marry each other. The relationships between the trio are strong and shows throughout the book. When Dill is found after he ran away from his home, Scout and Jem help him resolve the situation. Family bonds also come into play between Scout and Jem. Going through injustices and an attempted murder, the two siblings grow closer and more loyal to one another regardless of their normal sibling bickering. In contrast, House on Mango Street trio, Esperanza, Lucy and Rachels relationship isnt quite the same. Esperenza forms these friendship bonds not out of individual character, but out of pure desperation for friends. The term, everyone lies really comes into play. Although the relationships between the trio are light and carefree at first, it takes a darker turn as Sally betrays Esperenza and leaves her to be raped. The trio suffers as one and begins to realize the true nature of the world that they are living in.
A very prominent literary conflict, Character versus environment, is shown throughout the novels. The relationships between the trio in Mockingbird in greatly influence by their relationship with their surroundings. Atticus and Calpurnia play an important role in Scout and Jems personalities. A caring parent can lead them towards a more sympathetic and accepting lifestyle in contrast to the townspeople who are hostile towards the blacks. The trio, especially Jem and Scout, toughens up as they find that the justice system in their area has some serious flaws and are determined that it was the incorrect way. On the other hand, The House on Mango Streets trio is not as lucky. Esperenzas parents vocally wish that Esperenza did not exist leading her to depend on the outside world for guidance. Lucy and Rachel came from a large family which attentions from parents are practically non-existent with the babysitter. Three young girls wanting to learn, decide to band together and face the racist and hardcore world unprepared and navely. For example, the women clothes they wore in the beginning of the book. They find that being a women is not something pleasing and prestigious. This is shown as the trio are approached by random strangers and Esperenza clearly shows distaste. The House on Mango Street and To Kill a Mockingbird are two very different stories. While the Mockingbird novel shows the trios relationships to be more stereotypical and carefree, The Mango Street trio shows the harsher side and what some peoples realities really are.
