Figurative Language
“Im so dirty, you could take a spatula and scrape the filth off my skin” Odilia says this to Juanita when she was waiting her turn to take a shower. What kind of figurative language is this and what does it mean?
This is a hyperbole. Odilia is emphasizing that she is really dirty and needs to take a shower soon.
What does "predicament" mean?
A difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation.
How do the sisters compare Gabriel (the dead man) to papa?
Nothing's ever the way it seems because both of them abandoned their family, even though they both looked/and acted happy (the picture in Gabriel's wallet and playing Loteria with the Garza girls).
Who are the people of interest in the case of the missing girls? What does it say about them?
Mamá and Papá are both people of interest. Mamá is not allowed to leave the country, so she can't go to Mexico to look for the girls. Authorities are looking for papá's car because it might provide crucial evidence as to the whereabouts of the girls.
What does Cecilia put in her pastries?
She puts a sedative in the sweets that are stronger than any sleeping pill. She is medicating the girls so they'll never want to wake up. It is meant to keep the girls at her houser forever.
“Let Odiliia and I do all the talking and don’t contradict anything we say. Too much cream spoils the tacos, so keep it simple, ok?” Identify the figurative language in this quote above and explain what the author meant.
This is an idiom. This means that the sisters need to keep their answers simple and short when talking to Inés and her mother about Gabriel (the dead man) and their journey to Mexico.
What does "deceived" mean?
to deliberately mislead someone by causing them to believe something that is not true, often for a personal advantage.
Why does Odilia say she needs to "hypnotize" Inés, and how does she do it?
Inés keeps asking the girls questions about their mom, who takes care of them, and where their abuela lives. Inés then asks the girls if they can call their mom and abuela, so she can thank them for allowing the girls to drop Gabriel off and that they have arrived safely. To get out of this, Odilia uses the ear pendant on Inés so she stops asking them questions, letting the girls leave.
Why are the girls reluctant to go home with Cecilia? Why do they end up going with her?
Mamá taught the girls to never talk to strangers. However, Cecilia didn't look like she could be part of a gang or some kind of kidnapper ring, so they followed her sweet voice. They made an assumption about her based on her looks. Also, the girls had been walking for miles under the beating sun and hadn't seen anyone. They were tired, thirsty, and needed help getting to the next town since there car broke down.
How does Cecilia react when the sisters refuse to eat her sweets? Be specific.
She tries to tempt Pita with the treat by saying they are delicious. When Pita took a step back, Cecilia took her face in her hands and tried forcing the sugary treat into her mouth. Juanita yells at Cecilia and Odilia pushes the tray of treats on to the ground. Cecilia yells at the girls and said they ruined everything. She threatens the girls by telling them to pick up the treats and eat it, or else.
“Pita was all bug-eyed and big-eared, nodding like a ratoncita, nervous as a little mouse sitting precariously on the edge of a wooden trap.” Identify the figurative language in this quote above and explain what the author meant.
This is a simile. This means that Pita's extreme nervousness due to the dangerous situation the girls are in.
What does "interrogation" mean?
Why is Odilia shocked when she sees the newspaper?
The headline on the front page says "MISSING" with a photo of the Garza girls below it. They were officially missing children.
How is Cecilia's house described? Be specific.
Her house was large and beautiful with a great landscape. She had a beautiful garden of flowering plants and herbs. Her reflective windows made the houser glitter and shine majestically. Odilia thought they were in a fantasy world.
Why does Odilia tell Juanita, Delia, and Velia to stop mocking Cecilia? (hint: what did La Llorona tell her when she first met her?)
La Llorona warned Odilia when she first met her at the Rio Grande river to remain pure of heart on their journey. That they need to be courageous but also be noble, and that everything will be all right.
"Like a fairy godmother waving a magical wand." Identify the figurative language in this quote above and explain what the author meant.
This is an allusion to the movie Cinderella. What this means is that Cecilia is the sisters own fairy godmother, she is helping them in a time of need.
What does "precariously" mean?
Example: "sitting precariously on the edge of the wooden trap."
Why is Odilia anxious about going to abuelita's? What outcomes does she consider?
There were many scenarios running through her head. Would Papá be there? If he wasn't, would Abuelita know where he is? Would she recognize the girls?
Who is Cecilia? What does she give them when they first arrive at her house?
Cecilia is the woman the girls meet on the side of the road when there car breaks down. She helps the girls by inviting them to her house, where she gives them lemonade, platters of sweet bread, and allows them to get rest.
When the girls first meet Cecilia, she is described as being lovely and petite, she was wearing a yellow dress and she had blonde hair. However, when Odilia and La Llorona spy on her making the treats, how is Cecilia described then? Why does her appearance change?
Cecilia's blonde hair is now gray and dusty and she has wrinkled skin. Her appearance changes because the woman she is by day changes due to the reflected sunlight. It is created by the potions she mixes, which she then secretly adds to her special treats.
"You look like the Mad Hatter." Identify the figurative language in this quote above and explain what the author meant.
This is an allusion, referring to Alice in Wonderland. This means that Juanita looks crazy wearing the big hat Inés gave her.
What does "apprehension" mean?
Fear or anxiety about something that might happen.
When the girls are taking showers and getting ready for bed, how do Delia and Velia act towards Pita and Odilia? Be specific.
Delia said that Odilia smells like a goat and that Pita looks like a French fry. Delia also called seeing on the only bed there is, on the left side. Velia called sleeping on the window sofa (only room for one person.) Both girls showered before Juanita and Odilia. This shows that they both only look out for themselves.
Why is Odilia skeptical at the end of chapter?
Odilia couldn't focus and keep her eyes open. When she tried to sit up, her head was spinning and she fell back on the bed. That's when she realized something was wrong. Cecilia never promised the girls she would bring them to Hacienda Dorada. Her lack of interest in bringing them to their Abuelita's house frightened her.
How are the sisters reactions to Cecilia different at the end of the chapter? What does each sister say/do?
At first, Odilia becomes physically violent by taking a butcher's (sharp) knife to her vein. Pita was sobbing in Juanita's arms because she was scared. Juanita, Velia, and Delia are mocking her. Juanita says, "Shut up, you nasty old witch! You deserve everything you got!" Velia and Delia say, "Oh, we're so scared! A craggy old witch is after us! Whatever should we do? Wherever should we go?" Odilia then tells her sisters to stop it, that she can't harm them now, so theres no need to torment her.