I liked Dr. Larson's comparison of Esperanza and Lucy. It is not as obvious as a comparison between Esperanza and Janie, but it makes sense to me. Lucy and Esperanza are both trapped in a male-dominated world and are being forced to grow up with difficult expectations. They are both strong and they both reject the societal norms that pressure them. Lucy chooses to marry the man she loves despite urgings from her family and friends to do otherwise, and Esperanza vows to leave Mango street. She refuses to accept the traditional woman's role that she sees in the community of women around her in the same way that Lucy chooses to reject the traditional roles of upper-class English society. It is interesting to note that two women from completely different times and classes can have the same oppressive experiences.