Mixed Review 1
What does valise mean?
A small suitcase or travel bag
The Guavas
What does monotonous mean?
Dull, repetitive, or lacking variety.
What terrible event happens to Esperanza's family at the beginning of Chapter 3?
Their house catches on fire
What does the title Los Higos mean in English?
The Figs
Why does Esperanza become upset about riding with the poor?
She believes she should travel with the rich, and struggles to accept riding with people she considers peasants.
What does salvage mean?
To save or recover something from damage or destruction
What does Carmen doe when she encounters a woman begging at the station?
She gives the women money and food
What does reluctantly mean?
Unwilling or hesitantly
What does cinders mean?
Small pieces of partly burned material, such as ash or coal
What does pungent mean?
Have a strong, sharp smell or taste
Why does Tio Luis want Mama to marry him?
He wants to control the ranch and its property.
What does tatters mean?
Old, torn, or ragged pieces of clothing or fabric
Why does the woman traveling with chickens consider herself rich?
She has her family, garden, and memories, even though she does not have much money
Why does Abuelita stay behind instead of leaving with the family?
She has injured her ankle and needs time to recover
What lesson does Abuelita teach Esperanza through the mountains and valleys of her crocheted blanket?
Life has both difficult and happy times, and Esperanza must learn to accept challenges and keep moving forward.
What does Miguel's behavior during the fire reveal about his character?
He is brave and willing to help others.
How does Esperanza's reaction to the little girl who wants to hold her doll reveal her character?
She is still attached to her privileged upbringing and struggles to share with people she considers beneath her.
What type of conflict does Esperanza experience as she struggles to accept her new circumstances?
Character vs. self
What does wrenched mean?
Pulled or twisted suddenly and forcefully; it can also indicate a describe a strong emotional feeling
How does the journey in Chapter 4 begin to challenge Esperanza's beliefs about wealth and poverty?
She encounters people who have little money but show generosity and find happiness in family and relationships, challenging her belief and wealth determines a person's worth.
Why does Esperanza become frustrated with Miguel and Alfonso during the train journey?
They repeatedly get off the train to wet the oilcloth covering their secret package, causing delays and making Esperanza suspicious and impatient.
What does the phoenix symbolize for Esperanza's family?
The possibility of rising from hardship and beginning again?
What does Mama's behavior toward Carmen reveal about her personality?
She is friendly, compassionate, and willing to connect with people from different social classes.
What does the journey in Chapter 4 reveal about Esperanza's struggle with her new life?
She has difficulty accepting her family's changed circumstances and must begin to reconsider her attitude towards people who are poor.