Final answer:
In 'The House on Mango Street', laughter can represent joy in the face of adversity, act as a coping mechanism, or symbolize cultural resilience. It serves as a means to deal with complex emotions and societal challenges, connecting characters and diminishing the impact of adversity.The correct answer is option B
Explanation
The theme of laughter in The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros can be interpreted in different ways. Primarily, laughter could represent joy in the face of adversity, as characters frequently use humor to alleviate the challenges they face in their community.
This aligns with the broader concept that laughter and humor are cultural universals, serving as a release for thoughts and actions that might threaten the social order, as noted by anthropologist George Murdock and later examined by Douglas in relation to humor and trickster figures.
Another valid claim is that laughter acts as a coping mechanism for characters, allowing them to navigate their often harsh realities. This is a common thread in literature where characters use humor to deal with complex situations that would otherwise be overwhelming.
By challenging cultural and societal expectations through laughter, the characters illustrate a subtle form of resistance and critique. Moreover, laughter can symbolize cultural resilience, particularly in the context of minorities and immigrant communities.
Cisneros herself, having lived between two cultures, understands the power of laughter as an element that brings people together, fosters unity, and helps in finding a sense of belonging. In comedy and in her works, laughter is used to create connections and reduce the gravity of confrontations faced by the characters, ultimately lending to a sense of hope and community.