Theme
In vignette #30 (No Speak English), the theme of feminine roles is the focus. How?
Mamacita is "trapped" by her inability to speak English, which keeps her isolated in a "cage" of her own home. Unlike other characters, she does not leave the apartment, symbolizing a total restriction of a woman's sphere to the home.
She won't forget her roots in poverty.
In vignette #29, the theme of beauty in everyday things is found. What beauty does Esperanza find in the trees?
She views them as kindred spirits that, like her, continue to grow and reach toward the sky despite a lack of proper space or nurturing.
In vignette #32, what is Sally's relationship with her father?
She is oppressed by her father. She feels watched and talked about.
What piece of evidence/quote from vignette #28 (Sire) proves that Esperanza is scared of the boys outside?
"They didn't scare me. They did, but I wouldn't let them know."
In vignette #32, the theme of gender roles is the focus on Sally. How?
She is beautiful, but confined in the house to avoid temptation of men.
In vignette #33, Esperanza says, "there is nothing I can do." What does she mean?
Esperanza’s statement "there is nothing I can do" means that she recognizes the cycle of abuse and helplessness Minerva is trapped in, and understands she cannot save her.
In vignette #30, what words are used to describe mamacita?
Huge, enormous, beautiful to look at," "too fat", dressed in pink, hysterical, heartbroken, homesick, and afraid.
Why is Minerva always sad in vignette #33?
She is sad because she feels trapped in her marriage.
In vignette #29, how is Esperanza similar to the four skinny trees?
As a Mexican-American, she understands being transplanted into a context in which she feels she doesn't always belong.
What is the theme of Minerva Writes Poems (vignette #33)?
Gender Roles and Women
In vignette #32, Esperanza refers to Sally and says, "her father says to be this beautiful is trouble." What does this mean?
He believes Sally’s attractiveness will naturally cause problems, leading her into trouble or tempting boys.
In vignette #31, why is Rafaela locked away?
She is locked in because of her beauty, symbolizing the trapping of women in this community and highlighting a restrictive, patriarchal cycle that Esperanza fears.
In vignette #34, why doesn't Esperanza go with her family on their Sunday outings?
She is ashamed of their poverty and tired of staring at houses they cannot afford to live in.
In vignette #30, we meet Mamacita. How is she trapped?
By her lack of language; she is trapped in a foreign country, inside her house, vulnerable and cut off due to not speaking English.
What is the theme in Bums in the Attic (vignette #34)?
Social Class
In vignette #31, Esperanza says, "And always someone is offering sweeter drinks, someone promising to keep them on a silver string." What does this mean?
This means that relationships give a false impression in the beginning but can have a trapping nature for some women.
In vignette #34, how does Esperanza use to describe the world of the rich?
Esperanza observes that the wealthy, living in their hilltop homes, are disconnected from the daily struggles of those living below, possessing no fear of the problems associated with poverty.
"He not here," "No speak English," and "Holy smokes"
What is the allusion used in vignette #31? Why is it used?
The allusion used is Rapunzel and is used to draw a comparison with Rafaela, who, like Rapunzel, is trapped and waiting to be rescued.
What is the theme in Four Skinny Trees (vignette #29)?
Identity
In vignette #30, it reads, "We are home. This is home. Here I am and here I stay. Speak English." What does this mean?
In vignette #33 (Minerva Writes Poems), name the simile that reveals the main idea.
"She is always sad like a house on fire-always something wrong" (pg 84).
In vignette #29, what does Esperanza learn from the trees?
That she can rise even through concrete.
In vignette #34, how does Esperanza show empathy?