Questions and Answers
What crop was being harvested at El Rancho de las Rosas in this chapter?
grapes
What is the setting of the story as this chapter opens?
El Rancho de las Rosas, Mexico - 1930
Which three friends were coming to Esperanza's party?
Marisol Rodriguez, Chita and Bertina
What had taken place ten years earlier in Mexico that still made the large landowners nervous?
Signup and view all the answers
How did Esperanza's father treat the local peasants?
Signup and view all the answers
What pastime did Abuelita enjoy?
Signup and view all the answers
What did Esperanza suggest crocheting will take her mind off?
Signup and view all the answers
Why was Abuelita crocheting the blanket?
Signup and view all the answers
Where did Alfonso always talk about going?
Signup and view all the answers
What did Esperanza mean when she told Miguel that a deep river ran between them?
Signup and view all the answers
What important job did Tio Marco have?
Signup and view all the answers
What was Esperanza's impression of Tio Marco?
Signup and view all the answers
Who did Hortensia say would find Esperanza's father?
Signup and view all the answers
What terrible news did Esperanza receive at the end of the chapter?
Signup and view all the answers
Who is Hortensia?
Signup and view all the answers
Who is Abuelita?
Signup and view all the answers
Who is Marisol Rodriguez?
Signup and view all the answers
Who is Ramona Ortega?
Signup and view all the answers
Who is Sixto Ortega?
Signup and view all the answers
Who is Alfonso?
Signup and view all the answers
Who is Miguel?
Signup and view all the answers
Who is Tio Luis?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Setting and Context
- The story begins in 1930 at El Rancho de las Rosas in Mexico, known for harvesting grapes.
- A recent history of revolution ten years prior contributes to the unease felt by landowners.
Key Characters
- Esperanza Ortega: Protagonist, navigating social class differences, expresses fear of losing her family.
- Sixto Ortega: Esperanza's father, known for his fair treatment of local peasants.
- Ramona Ortega: Esperanza's mother, protective and nurturing.
- Abuelita: Esperanza's grandmother, engages in crocheting to create a lasting memory.
- Alfonso: The boss (el jefe) who wishes to move to the United States; expected to look for Sixto after his death.
- Miguel: Son of Hortensia; symbolizes the divide between classes in Esperanza's life.
- Hortensia: Serves as housekeeper, supportive figure in Esperanza's life.
- Marisol Rodriquez: Esperanza's best friend, invited to her party.
- Tio Marco: Esperanza’s uncle with a significant position as mayor, whom she views unfavorably.
- Tio Luis: Sixto's stepbrother, contributes to family dynamics.
Themes and Motifs
- Class disparity is highlighted by Esperanza’s feelings regarding Miguel, symbolized by her remark about the "deep river" between them.
- The act of crocheting serves both as a pastime for Abuelita and a way to cope with worry, showcasing the importance of memory and legacy.
Important Events
- Esperanza receives shocking news at the chapter's conclusion that her father has died, marking a pivotal moment in the story.
- Esperanza’s father's kindness towards peasants is a notable contrast to the tension present in the landowning class.
Additional Notes
- The narrative introduces key relationships and the socio-economic landscape of the time, setting the stage for future developments in Esperanza's life.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on the first chapter of 'Esperanza Rising'. This quiz covers key elements such as the setting, characters, and events that shape the story's beginning. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of the text.
