Symbolism
Symbolic of Esperanza's ability to adapt and grow in a foreign land.
What is the Rose/Rose Garden?
Mama's mother. Esperanza's grandmother. She is described as distinguished, yet capricious.
Who is Abuelita?
Despite the many setbacks that Esperanza and her family experience, Esperanza remains optimistic that she can make things better for her family. The overall tone of the novel seems to reflect this theme.
What is Hope?
The highest point of action in a story, often the turning point.
What is the Great Depression?
In Chapter 1, Abuelita taught Esperanza this technique, and then undid Esperanza's work saying "Don't be afraid to start over."
What is the Zig Zag Crochet/Zig Zag Technique.
Alfonso and Horensia's son. He and Esperanza played together when they were young.
Who is Miguel?
This theme becomes evident after Esperanza and Mama lose everything and have to start a new life in America.
What is Starting Over?
The attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to something nonhuman, or the representation of an abstract quality in human form.
What is Personification?
Papa’s malicious and eldest stepbrother who is president of the bank in Esperanza's town in Mexico.
Who is Tio Luis?
Often used as a symbol of hope and rebirth, Abuelita tells Esperanza that they will be like the _________ "rising again, with a new life ahead of us."
What is the Phoenix?
Who is Marta?
Meaning "the continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition," Esperanza demonstrates this throughout the novel.
What is Perseverance?
A situation where the opposite of what is expected to occur or happen does occur or happen.
What is Irony?
This was the name of the ranch that Esperanza lived on in Mexico.
What is El Rancho de las Rosas?
In Chapter 6, Mama changes this, symbolizing that their change in lifestyle-they truly must work now, and no longer have a life of leisure.
What is Mama's Hairstyle?
Alfonso's brother (and Josefina's husband) who welcomes everyone into their home in California. He becomes like family to Esperanza and Mama.
Who is Juan?
Meaning "belief without basis or information," examples of this theme are when Esperanza's feelings change from Miguel when she learns he is of a lower class, and later in the novel when Marta looks down on Esperanza for her wealthy upbringing.
What is Prejudice?
A reference to a well-known person, place, event, literary work, or art, often used to help make a comparison.
What is Allusion?
This is Esperanza's last name in the novel.
What is Ortega?
Often used at birthday parties, this item became symbolic of Esperanza's selfless compassion.
What is the Piñata?
Papa's older step brother. Mayor of the town. Not liked by Esperanza.
Back where Esperanza lived in Mexico, there was a hierarchy based on wealth and skin tone. This theme arises many times throughout the novel, starting with the metaphor Esperanza makes about her and Miguel standing on either side of a river.
What is Social Class?
The repetition of similar initial consonant sounds in order to create a musical or rhythmic effect, in order to emphasize key words or imitate sounds. (Ex. "He was reluctant to return to the round room where he rested)
What is Alliteration?
The household object that I stubbed my left big toe on this morning, leaving a slight but noticeable bruise.
What is a coffee table?