Metaphors
What does the metaphor "wait a little while and the fruit will fall into your hand," mean?
This means that Esperanza must be patient; in time, good things will come.
What does the woman on the train mean when she says to be poor is to be rich?
She argues that, despite having no money, her family is happy and together, which is true wealth.
Panic, fear of losing Mama too.
What is Esperanza's grandmother called?
Who is Abuelita?
Esperanza
What does the "deep river" between Esperanza and Miguel symbolize?
It represents the social and economic divide between them. In Mexico, Esperanza is the ranch owner's daughter and Miguel is the housekeeper's son; she believes they can never be on the same side of the river.
How does Esperanza demonstrate the theme of never giving up?
She overcomes extreme grief, her mother's illness, and difficult working conditions, ultimately learning to work for her family and not letting hardships crush her spirit.
What does Esperanza do when the little girl on the train wants to see her doll?
She pulls it away and put it back in her valise.
Who is Hortensia related to?
Who is Alfonso (her husband) and Miguel (her son).
Esperanza's favorite birthday gift she receives.
The porcelain doll from Papa.
How does the metaphor of the crocheted blanket represent Esperanza's life?
The "valleys and mountains" of the blanket represent the ups and downs of life. Just as Abuelita teaches her to continue the pattern despite mistakes, Esperanza learns to keep going through hardships like her mother’s illness.
Why is the book titled Esperanza Rising?
The title refers to Esperanza’s personal growth. Like a phoenix (a comparison made by Abuelita), she rises from the ashes of her old life to build a new, stronger identity.
What Mama makes for the barefoot, dirty little girl on the train.
She apologizes and makes the little girl a yarn doll.
What are the names of the twins Esperanza takes care of when they arrive at the farm camp?
Who are Lupe and Pepe?
The fruit that Esperanza as she rides in the wagon to the train station.
Guavas
Why does Marta refer to the migrant workers as "kittens"?
She is calling them kittens because they are weak and defenseless against the system of the wealthy farm owners. “Small, meek animals. And that is how they treat us because we don’t speak up,” referring to the farmers as kittens.
How does Esperanza experience racism in California?
She and her family face discrimination in housing and job opportunities. For example, Miguel is passed over for a railroad job he is qualified for because he is Mexican, a struggle that highlights the systemic unfairness of the time.
How does Mama react to the pressure from Tío Luis to marry him?
She tells him she will marry him, and then leaves Mexico.
Who is Tio Luis?
How does Papa die?
He is killed by bandits who dislike wealthy landowners and what they represent.
What does Abuelita mean when she says "There is no rose without thorns"?
This means that there is no life without difficulties. Esperanza encounters many thorns the year she turns thirteen.
Which is a theme in "Esperanza Rising"? Select all correct answers.
A. The support and love of family and friends bring great comfort in times of loss.
B. People can start new things in their lives even when change is scary.
C. Doing well in school should be the goal of all young students.
D. Losses and challenges can be a source of personal growth in people’s lives.
A. The support and love of family and friends bring great comfort in times of loss is a theme in Esperanza Rising.
How does Abuelita’s advice ("Do not be afraid to start over") shape the way Esperanza reacts to challenges?
Esperanza is stronger and able to handle all of the hard challenges that she faces.
Who does Esperanza want to marry when she is a little girl?
Who is Miguel?
What is the surprise that Alfonso and Miguel have for Esperanza and Mama when they arrive in California?
Papa's rosebushes