Theme & Message
This theme shows the importance of caring for family members.
What is family (or importance of family)?
This is the new skill Esperanza learns.
What is cutting potato eyes (or working in the sheds)?
This literary device is shown in “mountains and valleys.”
What is metaphor (or symbolism)?
These are the types of jobs migrant workers do in this chapter.
What are farm labor jobs (cutting potatoes, working in sheds)?
This is why Esperanza first refuses to send Mama to the hospital.
What is she believes hospitals are where people go to die?
This theme is revealed through Esperanza taking responsibility.
What is responsibility?
This is how working changes Esperanza’s attitude.
What is she becomes more mature and hardworking?
This technique helps describe the cold environment vividly.
What is imagery?
This is the meaning of a strike.
What is refusing to work to protest for better conditions?
This is why Mama calls for Abuelita.
What is she misses Abuelita and needs comfort?
This is how hope is shown during difficult times.
What is continuing to believe things will improve despite hardship?
This is why Esperanza wants to earn money.
What is to earn money to bring Abuelita and help her family?
This is the effect of describing Mama’s breathing.
What is it creates a sense of worry and seriousness about Mama’s condition?
This is why workers fear La Migra.
What is fear of deportation or being checked for papers?
This is why Esperanza insists on working.
What is she needs money and wants to help her family?
This is how sacrifice is demonstrated in the chapter.
What is giving up comfort and working hard for others?
This is how Esperanza compares her past life to her present.
What is she realizes her past was easier and her present is difficult?
This is how contrast is used between past and present.
What is showing the difference between her rich past and poor present?
This is what could happen to workers who protest.
What is losing jobs, homes, or being sent back to Mexico?
This is what we can predict about Esperanza’s future.
What is she will continue to grow stronger and more responsible?
This is the strongest theme in the chapter, supported with evidence.
What is resilience / hope / responsibility (any supported theme with evidence)?
This is how Esperanza transforms into a responsible leader.
What is she grows into someone who takes responsibility and leads her family?
This is how symbolism develops the theme of hope.
What is symbols like the blanket represent hope and emotional strength?
This is what the chapter reveals about injustice toward migrant workers.
What is migrant workers face injustice, poverty, and discrimination?
This is how Esperanza might feel if Abuelita does not come.
What is she would feel sad, worried, and possibly hopeless?