People
This character is from Puerto Rico and is living with Louie and his family. She likes to sing in the evenings and teaches Esperanza all kinds of things about life.
Who is Marin?
In this vignette, we learn about a character who is from the South and invites a lot of "lady friends" over.
What is "The Earl of Tennessee?"
"I had to look back hard, just once, like he was glass" (p. 72)
What is simile?
What do we learn about Minerva when it says, "Next week she comes over black and blue and asks what can she do?"
We learn that her husband hits her.
This character sees beauty in all things and is good at whistling.
Who is Ruthie?
In this vignette, we learn about a character who gets locked indoors on Tuesdays because their husband thinks that they will run away.
What is "Rafaela Who Drinks Coconut & Papaya Juice on Tuesdays"?
What literary term is this:
"Four skinny trees with skinny necks and pointy elbows like mine" (p. 74)
What is personification?
Esperanza has a crush on this person, but he already has a girlfriend who does not know how to tie her shoes.
Who is Sire?
This character changes into a different person when they go home and they pull their skirt down and wipe the blue makeup off their eyes.
Who is Sally?
What is "Bums in the Attic"?
What literary term is this:
"You pull your skirt straight Sally"
What is alliteration?
That Esperanza is building a home in her heart with all of her memories, experiences, friends, neighbors, and family.
This character does not want her children speaking English.
Who is Mamacita?
In this vignette, we learn about a character who regrets that she did not finish school.
What is "A Smart Cookie"?
What literary term is this:
"Home is a house in a photograph, a pink house, pink as hollyhocks with lots of startled light" (p. 77)
What is simile?
What is the meaning behind the quote, "And then, he broke into his hands" (p. 93)
That Sally's father broke down emotionally into his hands after beating his daughter.
Who is Esperanza?
In this vignette, Esperanza uses symbolism to represent perseverance and strength to grow despite bad conditions.
What is "Four Skinny Trees"?
What literary term is this:
"Their strength is secret. They send ferocious roots beneath the ground. They grow up and they grow down and grab the earth between their hairy toes and bite the sky with violent teeth and never quit their anger. This is how they keep" (p. 74)
What is personification?
What is symbolism?
Why does Mamacita never leave the apartment?
Either because she is too fat or she is afraid to speak English.