Esperanza Rising Key Characters and Setting
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Questions and Answers

What did Esperanza want to hear with her Papa?

the land's heart beating

Who is Ramona Ortega?

her mother

What is the setting of the story in the first few chapters?

El Rancho de las Rosas in Aguascalientes, Mexico in the 1930s

Why is Esperanza waiting for the harvest to be over?

<p>it will be her birthday and there will be a fiesta</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Papa give Esperanza every year for her birthday?

<p>a porcelain doll</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did Esperanza consider pricking her finger on the rose bush bad luck?

<p>It is a superstition that bad luck will happen.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Esperanza's father leave her mother in the will?

<p>She was left the house and the money from the grape harvest.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Esperanza's uncle wearing that made her upset?

<p>Her uncle was wearing her father's special belt buckle that had the logo of the ranch on it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean by there was a river between Esperanza and Miguel?

<p>They couldn't have a relationship because one was of the upper class and one was of the servant class.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did Tio Luis propose to Esperanza's mother?

<p>The people respected her, and he thought she would help him become governor.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens after Mama says she will never marry Tio Luis?

<p>Her home, grapes, and stable mysteriously burn to the ground during the night.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is Miguel?

<p>Esperanza's friend and the housekeeper's son.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What advice does Abuelita give to Esperanza?

<p>Never be afraid to start over.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Esperanza's ranch is called?

<p>El Rancho de las Rosas</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It is usually the job of the first born son, but Papa doesn't have any sons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is Esperanza's best friend?

<p>Marisol</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mama say she will consider marrying Tio Luis?

<p>She doesn't want him to suspect she is planning on leaving for the United States.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Miguel save them from the bandits when they are young?

<p>When they are hiding under the bed, he lets a mouse run out into the room, so bandits won't look under the bed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't Esperanza let the little girl on the train touch her doll?

<p>She says the girl is too poor and dirty.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are peasants?

<p>poor people</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Papa reward Miguel for being brave during the robbery?

<p>He takes Miguel on a train ride with Esperanza.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is Carmen?

<p>She is the woman with the chickens.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Carmen give to Mama on the train?

<p>She gives Mama chickens for her 'new life'.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The flames were LIKE long curved fingers is a?

<p>simile</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why isn't Abuelita traveling with Esperanza and her mother to America?

<p>She has injured her ankle during the fire.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Mama make for the little girl because she is upset?

<p>a yarn doll</p> Signup and view all the answers

Shoomp, shoomp and clickety, clackety are examples of?

<p>onomatopoeia</p> Signup and view all the answers

An angry thorn stabbed me is an example of?

<p>personification</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Esperanza save from the fire?

<p>her most recent porcelain doll from Papa</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Mama make for the little girl because she is upset?

<p>a yarn doll</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Esperanza's age after her birthday?

<p>13</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is this describing? She is an older, more wrinkled version of Mama. She wears gold hoop earrings and always has a beautiful stone in her pocket or a flower in her hair.

<p>Abuelita</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is this an example of irony? 'Mama, at a time like this, must we worry about some poor family who needs clothes?'

<p>It is ironic because they are the poor family who needs donated clothes now.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do Mama and Esperanza manage to escape without Tio Luis knowing?

<p>They leave during the night hidden in a secret compartment in the wagon under the guavas</p> Signup and view all the answers

Those with Spanish blood who are not originally from Mexico...

<p>This appears to be an incomplete thought.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Characters

  • Esperanza Ortega: Main character who is 13 years old; yearns to hear "the land's heart beating" with her father.
  • Ramona Ortega: Esperanza's mother, faced with challenges after her husband’s death.
  • Tio Luis: Esperanza's uncle; proposes to Ramona, wears their father's special belt buckle, demonstrates his power and greed.
  • Miguel: Esperanza's friend and son of the housekeeper; symbolizes social class divide with Esperanza.
  • Abuelita: Esperanza's wise grandmother, advises her to never fear starting over.

Setting

  • El Rancho de las Rosas: Esperanza's family ranch located in Aguascalientes, Mexico, during the 1930s.

Key Events

  • Esperanza anticipates her birthday celebration after the harvest, symbolizing her childhood and family traditions.
  • The significance of the porcelain doll given by Papa annually; represents love and privilege.
  • A superstition about pricking her finger on the rose bush foreshadows trouble; signifies a link between feelings and fate.
  • After refusing Tio Luis, a fire mysteriously destroys their home, illustrating themes of loss and adversity.

Themes

  • Class Divide: The metaphorical "river" between Esperanza and Miguel highlights the barriers of social class.
  • Irony: The family that once rejected donations due to status now finds themselves in need; raises questions about class and identity.
  • Courage and Adversity: Esperanza's transition to a new life reflects the resilience required in the face of crisis.

Symbols and Literary Devices

  • Personification: "An awkward silence built a wall between them"; illustrates emotional distance.
  • Simile: "The flames were LIKE long curved fingers"; creates vivid imagery of destruction.
  • Onomatopoeia: Words like "shoomp, shoomp" signify action and urgency during critical moments.

Relationships

  • Mother-Daughter Dynamics: Ramona's struggle and wisdom shape Esperanza's character and decisions.
  • Friendship and Loyalty: Miguel’s actions, such as taking Esperanza on a train ride, showcase bravery and commitment.

Escape

  • Esperanza and her mother escape under guavas to avoid Tio Luis's awareness, indicating the need for stealth and cleverness in survival.

Miscellaneous Facts

  • Esperanza saves her most recent porcelain doll from the fire, symbolizing her connection to her past and childhood.
  • Carmen gifts chickens to Ramona on the train, emphasizing kindness amidst hardship.
  • The narrative intertwines personal upheaval with cultural identity, as seen in references to peasants and social hierarchy.

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Description

Explore the key characters and setting in 'Esperanza Rising.' This quiz highlights important figures like Esperanza and her family, as well as the central themes of loss and hope throughout the narrative. Understand the influence of cultural and social dynamics in her life as you take this quiz.

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