Vocabulary
Capricious
Acting without thinking or changing your mind quickly
Esperanza had the life of a princess. She had servants, fancy dresses, and education.
What theme is exemplified by the symbol of the Phoenix?
A river divides them.
Who is Esperanza's friend back home?
Marisol
Devious
Not honest
What does Miguel teach Esperanza?
How to sweep
In the novel, Miguel says, “The rich take care of the rich and the poor take care of those who have less than they have.” What is Miguel trying to explain with this statement? Use examples from the story to show what Miguel means.
When Miguel says, “The rich take care of the rich and the poor take care of those who have less than they have,” he means that wealthy people look out for each other, while poor people support one another because they understand what it’s like to struggle.
For example, when Esperanza and her mother arrive in California, they depend on Hortensia and Alfonso for help, even though they are also poor (Ryan 142). This shows how those with less are willing to care for each other. Additionally, when the migrant workers go on strike for better pay, it shows their unity and support for one another, highlighting how the poor work together to fight for their rights (Ryan 220). Miguel’s statement emphasizes the importance of helping those in need, especially among people facing similar challenges.
“Her heart felt as if it would shatter into a thousand pieces” (Ryan 53).
What type of figurative language?
Simile
Why does Mama changer her hairstyle when they move to the camp?
To make it easier to manage while working in the fields
Resentful
Feeling angry or upset about something that seems unfair
Why does Esperanza move to California?
Her uncle, Tío Luis, tries to force Mama to marry him after the death of her father. If they are married, he says he will send Esperanza away to boarding school. They move to California to escape.
What theme is shown in the comparison of the train memories?
Esperanza's changing social status.
optimism
Hoping for the best and believing that good things will happen
Why is Abuelita important for Esperanza’s development?
She offers guidance and wisdom that helps Esperanza grow
Persistent
To continue for a long time without stopping
Why does Esperanza dislike Marta when they first meet? What makes Esperanza change her mind about Marta?
Esperanza dislikes Marta when they first meet because Marta is rude to her and makes fun of her wealthy background. Marta calls Esperanza a "princess" and criticizes her for having once been rich, which hurts Esperanza’s feelings and makes her feel out of place (Ryan 100). Marta also wants to organize a strike for better working conditions, which worries Esperanza because she’s afraid it will cause trouble for her family.
Esperanza changes her mind about Marta later on when she sees Marta struggling and realizes that they both face similar challenges. When Esperanza finds Marta hiding and hungry after a failed strike, she decides to help her by giving her food, even though they haven’t been friends (Ryan 222). Esperanza understands that they are both working hard to survive, which helps her feel empathy for Marta and shows that they aren’t so different after all.
Describe a moment when Esperanza shows resilience in the story. Why is this moment important?
A moment when Esperanza shows resilience is when she learns to sweep the platform at the camp, even though it’s difficult and unfamiliar for her. At first, Esperanza struggles and feels embarrassed because she had never done hard work before. When Isabel, her young friend, shows her how to sweep, Esperanza pushes herself to keep trying until she gets it right (Ryan 144).
This moment is important because it shows Esperanza’s willingness to adapt and work hard in her new life. Learning to sweep is a small but powerful step in her journey from a wealthy girl who never worked to a strong, independent person who can handle challenges. This resilience helps her survive the hardships she faces as a migrant worker and grow as a person.
Despondent
Sad and without hope
On the first day working in the fields, everyone comes home with aches and pains. The text says that, “[Esperanza’s] bruises had been to her pride.” What is meant by that quote?
Esperanza felt embarrassed by not knowing how to do the chores that needed to get done.
Demeanor
The way someone behaves, looks, or acts
Why does everyone believe that Miguel stole Esperanza’s money when he disappears? What do they think he did with the money?
Everyone believes that Miguel stole Esperanza’s money when he disappears because he takes the money without telling anyone, and he leaves unexpectedly without explaining his plans. Esperanza had been saving that money to bring her Abuelita to California, so she feels betrayed and thinks Miguel might have taken it for himself (Ryan 214).
They suspect that Miguel took the money to escape to northern California to find better work or a new life, leaving them behind. However, later they discover that Miguel used the money to bring Abuelita to California as a surprise, showing that he took it for a good reason to help Esperanza and her family reunite (Ryan 243).
What theme is shown by Esperanza's relationship with Miguel and Isabel?
Friendship.
Assured
Confident and certain
Miguel and Esperanza get into a big fight. All of these are reasons for their fight EXCEPT:
a) Esperanza is frustrated that Miguel isn’t sticking up for himself at work.
b) Esperanza wants Miguel to make more money to get Abuelita to the US
c) Esperanza is tired of Mama being sick
d) Esperanza is frustrated by the prejudices she sees around her
b) Esperanza wants Miguel to make more money to get Abuelita to the US