Symbols & Motifs
This object, made by Abuelita, is a symbol of hope and patience.
What is the crocheted blanket?
Esperanza learns to care for others and take responsibility after this family member gets sick.
Who is Mama?
Giving human traits to non-human things (e.g. “the earth rumbled”).
What is Personification
To expect or look forward to something.
What is anticipate?
Esperanza’s family was part of this social class in Mexico, with land, servants, and respect.
What is the upper class/wealthy/rich?
These flowers survived a fire and a journey, symbolizing love and renewal.
What are Papa’s roses?
This character helps bring Abuelita from Mexico and proves his loyalty.
Who is Miguel?
A repeated element (image, word, object) that helps develop a theme.
What is Motif?
To save something from being ruined.
What is salvage?
An outdated system in Mexico that separated people by race and social background.
What is the Mexican Caste System
This weather event damages crops and represents chaos and hardship.
What is the dust storm?
In the beginning, Esperanza is upset to share a train car with campesinos. Later, she does this kind act.
What is she shares her food?
An object, person, or idea with deeper meaning beyond its literal one.
What is Symbol?
To tease or mock in a mean way.
What is taunting?
In California, Esperanza is in what economic class?
What is lower class/poor/poverty?
Onions are a symbol of this in the book.
What is bitterness/layers/sadness?
Esperanza once saw work as beneath her. What does her new attitude toward work show?
What is character development?
Hints or clues in a text about what will happen later.
What is Foreshadowing?
Doing something quietly so others don’t notice.
What is discreetly?
Many migrant workers were treated unfairly and paid less because of this.
What is discrimination/prejudice/racism?
This repeated sound represents Esperanza’s connection to the earth and Papa.
What is the heartbeat of the earth?
Esperanza says, “I am rich because I have my family.” What does this say about her values now?
What is she values love and family over material things?
Placing two images or ideas close together to show contrast.
What is Juxtaposition?
To deal with something difficult.
What is cope?
Esperanza’s soft hands transform into capable hands, symbolizing her ________.
What is growth?