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En Mexico
En los Estados Unidos
Strike!
Characters
Other
100
What is the name of the Ortegas' ranch in Mexico?
El Rancho de las Rosas
100
What valley in California does Esperanza move to?
San Joaquin Valley
100
Whom does Esperanza help hide from immigration authorities?
Marta
100
What does Miguel bring Esperanza as "proof that things will get better?"
Abuelita
100
What does "esperanza" mean?
Hope
200
What city in Mexico is Esperanza from?
Aguascalientes
200
Esperanza's mother is diagnosed with what TWO sicknesses?
Valley Fever & pneumonia
200
What do the strikers want? Why do some workers not want to strike?
Better housing conditions and higher wages. They fear losing their jobs; they just want to provide for their families.
200
What country did Abuelita immigrate to Mexico from when she was Esperanza's age?
Spain
200
About where does Miguel say he's heard "that even the poorest man can become rich if he works hard enough?"
The United States
300
Who carries Abuelita out of the burning house?
Miguel
300
Name three chores that Esperanza does for the first time at the work camp.
Sweeping, taking care of babies, washing diapers...
300
How are the work camps organized? Why?
Separated by race. So the workers won't ban together for better housing/higher wages.
300
Why is Isabel not chosen to be the Queen of the May? Why does she think it's unfair?
A blonde, blue-eyed, English-speaking student is always chosen. Isabel had the best grades in her class.
300
At least how many Mexicans were sent back to Mexico between 1929 and 1935 under the Mexican Repatriation Act?
450,000
400
What one thing does Esperanza save when her house is on fire?
a porcelain doll
400
Explain what Miguel's father means when he says that Mr. Yakota is "getting rich on other people's bad manners."
Because Mr. Yakota treats Mexicans (and all people) fairly, many people travel further to shop at his market. Therefore, he gets more business!
400
How is the strike an opportunity for Miguel? What does it mean for Esperanza?
With railroad workers striking, Miguel may be able to get hired on the railroad. It is a threat to Esperanza's finances if many come and are willing to work for less.
400
While crocheting, what does Abuelita do when a strand of her hair falls into her lap? Why?
She weaves it into the blanket so that her love and good wishes will be woven in as well.
400
What mythical bird does Abuelita compare herself, Esperanza & mama to? Why?
The phoenix. The phoenix rises again from its own ashes; Esperanza, mama & abuelita have to start over.
500
Why is there still resentment against large landowners in 1930, despite the revolution in Mexico ending over 10 years ago?
Many people still have nothing while large landowners are rich. The poor have not seen the changes that the revolution promised.
500
How does English sound to Esperanza?
Hard, sharp, clipped words. Like they're speaking with sticks in their mouths.
500
Explain how "voluntary deportation" works. Why is it not really voluntary?
Strikers that are caught by immigration authorities will be deported to Mexico, but the buses they are boarded on wait. Many family members will board the buses to Mexico and deport themselves rather than being separated from their loved ones.
500
Who tells Esperanza "Full bellies and Spanish blood go hand in hand?" What does it mean?
Miguel. Those with Spanish heritage are the wealthiest.