Esperanza Rising Chapters 1-3 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What did Esperanza want to hear?

the land's heart beating

Who was Esperanza walking with in the vineyard?

her papa

What is the setting of the story?

El Rancho de las Rosas in Aguascalientes, Mexico

Why is Esperanza waiting for the harvest to be over?

it will be her birthday and there will be a fiesta Signup and view all the answers

Why didn't Esperanza want to open up her birthday presents?

they reminded her of her papa's death Signup and view all the answers

What are los dedos?

fingers Signup and view all the answers

Why did Esperanza consider pricking her finger bad luck?

superstition or omen, blood was drawn when she touched the thorn Signup and view all the answers

What do the girls talk about when they get together?

growing up, turning fifteen, their Quinceaneras party, getting married, etc Signup and view all the answers

What did Esperanza's uncle want after the will was read?

he wanted Esperanza's mother to marry him after a year Signup and view all the answers

What had Esperanza forgotten when she first woke up?

her papa had been killed the night before Signup and view all the answers

What did they mean when they said there was a river between Esperanza and Miguel?

they couldn't have a relationship because one was of the upper class and one was of the servant class Signup and view all the answers

Why did Uncle Luis propose to Esperanza's mother?

he wanted her power and respect so that he could run for governor Signup and view all the answers

What did the lawyer do after the uncles left?

he warned Esperanza's mother that Tio Luis was a dangerous man Signup and view all the answers

Who is Miguel?

Esperanza's friend and the housekeeper's son Signup and view all the answers

What was the first clue that something was really wrong?

Esperanza's uncles arrived with her papa's belt buckle Signup and view all the answers

What was in the back of the wagon?

Papa's body Signup and view all the answers

Who is everyone's favorite relative?

Abuelita, Esperanza's grandmother, her mother's mother Signup and view all the answers

What did Abuelita weave into her blanket?

a piece of her hair Signup and view all the answers

What worried Esperanza and her mother?

Papa wasn't home from his day on the ranch, and the sun was setting Signup and view all the answers

What had Papa been warned about?

there were bandits in the area that might attack the ranch Signup and view all the answers

What does Esperanza's father own?

a vineyard Signup and view all the answers

What does Esperanza's father show her?

how the earth's heartbeat beats Signup and view all the answers

Esperanza's ranch is called the?

El Rancho de las Rosas Signup and view all the answers

Why was Esperanza given the job to cut the first grapes of the harvest?

because she is Papa's pride and glory Signup and view all the answers

Where did Papa promise to meet Esperanza?

in the garden and he never disappointed her Signup and view all the answers

Who is Esperanza's best friend?

Marisol Signup and view all the answers

What causes Esperanza's premonition?

she pricks her finger on a thorn Signup and view all the answers

What is Abuelita showing Esperanza?

how to do the zigzag Signup and view all the answers

What kind of character trait best describes Esperanza's uncles (Tio Luis and Tio Marco)?

greedy Signup and view all the answers

What is Esperanza in disbelief over?

her father's death Signup and view all the answers

Why had Senor Rodriguez brought papayas?

papa had ordered them because Hortensia made Esperanza's favorite salad every year for her birthday Signup and view all the answers

What was different about Esperanza being given the scythe?

this job was usually reserved for the eldest son of a wealthy rancher, but since she was an only child she was always given the honor Signup and view all the answers

Why did Abuelita compare them to the Phoenix?

just as the bird rose again from ashes, will Esperanza find a way to rise from ashes and make a new life for herself Signup and view all the answers

Why did Esperanza's mother agree to marry Tio Luis?

to buy them more time to plan an escape to the United States with Alfonso, Hortensia, and Miguel Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters and Relationships

Esperanza is the protagonist who has a close relationship with her father.
Miguel is Esperanza's friend and the son of the housekeeper.
Tio Luis and Tio Marco are Esperanza's greedy uncles.
Abuelita is Esperanza's grandmother, cherished by all family members.
Esperanza's mother is faced with pressure from Tio Luis after her husband’s death.

Key Events and Themes

The story begins in Aguascalientes, Mexico, at El Rancho de las Rosas.
Esperanza eagerly anticipates her birthday and a fiesta after the harvest.
The tragic death of Esperanza's father leaves her in disbelief and apprehension.
The first hint of trouble comes when her uncles arrive with her father’s belt buckle, signaling distress.

Cultural Context

Quinceaneras celebrations are significant, marking young girls' transitions into womanhood.
Traditions and superstitions play a role in Esperanza's life, as seen with her belief in bad luck after pricking her finger.

Symbolism and Motifs

The vineyard symbolizes familial tradition and Esperanza's connection to her father.
The "heartbeat of the land" reflects the deep bond between Esperanza and the earth.
The comparison to the Phoenix suggests themes of rebirth and resilience.

Key Conflicts

Class distinctions create tension, as indicated by the "river" between Esperanza and Miguel.
The whisper of bandit threats adds a layer of danger to the narrative.
Esperanza’s mother faces the dilemma of marrying Tio Luis for protection and security.

Important Details

Esperanza views her father's death as incomprehensible initially.
Esperanza is tasked with cutting the first grapes, an honor typically reserved for the oldest son.
Uncle Luis's desire to marry Esperanza's mother stems from his ambition to gain power.

Significant Objects

The scythe represents Esperanza’s unique position in her family and her father's pride.
The papayas from Señor Rodriguez symbolize familial love and tradition, particularly on her birthdays.
A piece of Esperanza's hair woven into a blanket indicates the bond between generations.

Future Aspirations

Esperanza's mother seeks to find a way to escape to the United States, showcasing their struggle for a better life.
Esperanza's journey mirrors the rise of the Phoenix, indicating her potential growth and renewal after hardships.

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Test your knowledge with flashcards based on the first three chapters of 'Esperanza Rising'. This quiz covers key concepts, characters, and settings essential to understanding the story's beginning. Perfect for students looking to enhance their recall and comprehension of the text.