Vocabulary 1
What is supplying land with water through a network of canals?
Irrigation
Who is the character that leaves to find work on the railroad?
Miguel
What is the story climax?
When Esperanza makes Miguel mad and he leaves to look for work on the railroad.
What does it mean when they say, "Esperanza's eyes were on fire?"
It means she is angry.
What is a twist or bend out of its normal shape?
Contort
What is a field where grapes are grown?
Vineyard
Who is the character that expects everyone to stand up for themselves to get equal treatment?
Esperanza
What is the story's rising action?
When Miguel and Esperanza argue over his acceptance of being replaced without pushing back.
What does it mean to "speak up for yourself?"
It means to express needs, thoughts, and feelings in a direct and respectful way.
What does it mean to be "a second-class citizen?"
A person who is systematically and actively discriminated against, despite their status as a citizen or a legal resident.
What is a prediction of the future?
Prophecy
Who are Miguel and Esperanza talking about when they say "Abuelita?"
They are talking about their Grandmother
What is the story resolution?
When Esperanza is left feeling guilty about the things she said to Miguel.
What does it mean, "words stopped her as if someone had slapped her in the face?"
It means the words spoken wer shocking, hurtful, or unexpected that they made an immediate and powerful impact on the person, effectively stunning them into silence or inaction. It is similar to the physical sensation of being slapped.
What does clenched mean?
A contraction or tightening of part of the body. Like when it states Esperanza clenched her fists and closed her eyes tight in frustration.
What is hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something?
Optimism
Who is the story is sick?
Their mother
What is the story beginning?
When does Miguel come into the kitchen talking about his unfair situation?
What does it mean when the story states, "My life is like the zigzag in the blanket on Mama's bed?"
It means that their life path has not been straightforward, but rather full of unexpected turns, changes in direction, ups and downs, sometimes experiencing setbacks before moving forward again.
What does pitiful mean?
It means very small or poor, inadequate. As in when Esperanza is talking about her pitiful savings.
Who is a person who does farm work for wealthy landowners?
Peasant
Who is the Ortega family's former housekeeper?
Hortensia
What is 3rd person narrator mean?
It means that the story is told by someone outside of the story from a variety of character's perspectives.
What does "blind hope" mean?
It means a feeling of optimism or expectation that is not based on evidence or reason.
What does grimace mean?
It means an ugly,twisted expression on a person's face, typically expressing disgust or pain. As in when the story states...Miguel stared at her and his face contorted into a disgusted grimace.