Final answer:
Esperanza purchased a small Statue of Liberty from a junk store for a dime in 'The House on Mango Street,' symbolizing her aspirations for freedom and self-identity.
Step-by-step explanation:
In The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, the character Esperanza purchased a small Statue of Liberty from the junk store for a dime. This miniature version of the iconic American symbol seems to represent a sense of hope and freedom that Esperanza seeks throughout the novel. While the real Statue of Liberty is recognized by its blue-green patina resulting from exposure to the elements as indicated in the reference information, Esperanza's find at the junk store symbolizes her own aspirations and the modest beginnings of her journey towards independence and self-identity.