Podcast
Questions and Answers
What building does Austria notice as the family approaches its new home?
What building does Austria notice as the family approaches its new home?
A barn
Who is Perfecto?
Who is Perfecto?
Estrella's stepfather (Petra's boyfriend)
What are Alejo and Gumencindo doing in the orchard?
What are Alejo and Gumencindo doing in the orchard?
Stealing fruit
What does Perfecto find in the family's new home?
What does Perfecto find in the family's new home?
Who is La Llorona?
Who is La Llorona?
What fruit does Estrella associate her father with?
What fruit does Estrella associate her father with?
What does her father do before leaving?
What does her father do before leaving?
What does she do to distract her brothers from their hunger?
What does she do to distract her brothers from their hunger?
How does the boy with the cleft palate hurt himself?
How does the boy with the cleft palate hurt himself?
How does Alejo cheer up the boy in the barn?
How does Alejo cheer up the boy in the barn?
What reminds Estrella of struggling to read?
What reminds Estrella of struggling to read?
Who does Estrella befriend on the tomato farm?
Who does Estrella befriend on the tomato farm?
What does Estrella read to Maxine?
What does Estrella read to Maxine?
Why do Estrella and Maxine fight?
Why do Estrella and Maxine fight?
Who does Alejo see in the river?
Who does Alejo see in the river?
What is Estrella doing in the river?
What is Estrella doing in the river?
What does Alejo bring Estrella's family?
What does Alejo bring Estrella's family?
Who does Alejo live with?
Who does Alejo live with?
What does Petra give Alejo in return for the peaches?
What does Petra give Alejo in return for the peaches?
What does Estrella pick in the fields at the beginning of part two?
What does Estrella pick in the fields at the beginning of part two?
Who does Estrella compare herself with?
Who does Estrella compare herself with?
At what age did Estrella begin working in the fields?
At what age did Estrella begin working in the fields?
Who sees the boy with the harelip from the barn in the grape fields?
Who sees the boy with the harelip from the barn in the grape fields?
What reminds the workers of their homes and other destinations?
What reminds the workers of their homes and other destinations?
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Study Notes
Key Characters and Relationships
- Perfecto is Estrella's stepfather and Petra's boyfriend.
- Estrella befriends Maxine on the tomato farm, highlighting themes of friendship despite conflicts.
- Alejo, who lives with his cousin Gumecindo, shares a bond with Estrella.
Significant Events and Actions
- Estrella associates her father with an orange, symbolizing personal memories.
- To distract her hungry brothers, Estrella dances, showcasing her ingenuity and care for her family.
- Alejo cheers up a boy with a cleft palate by making shadow puppets, illustrating his kindness.
Themes and Symbols
- La Llorona represents a significant Mexican myth tied to cultural beliefs and fears.
- Estrella's struggles with reading are symbolized by Perfecto's mysterious tools, indicating her challenges in adapting to her environment.
- Grapes picked by Estrella at the beginning of part two symbolize her labor and connection to the land.
Imagery and Illustrations
- A barn is the notable building observed by Austria as the family approaches their new home, setting the rural scene.
- A scorpion and a dead bird found in their new home highlight neglect and the harsh realities of their living conditions.
- A passing train serves as a reminder of home and other destinations for the workers, connecting their labor to broader journeys.
Conflicts and Resolutions
- Estrella and Maxine's fight arises from Maxine's remark about her mother and Perfecto, reflecting tension and misunderstandings.
- Alejo's act of bringing peaches to Estrella's family illustrates the exchange of kindness and support among the characters.
Important Facts
- Estrella began working in the fields at the age of four, emphasizing the harsh realities of child labor.
- The boy with the harelip is recognized by Alejo in the grape fields, showcasing interconnected lives in their community.
- During a moment of vulnerability, Estrella is seen washing a watermelon in the river, providing a glimpse into her daily life.
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