Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is foreshadowing?
What is foreshadowing?
Occurs when a writer provides hints that suggest future events in a story.
What could Mama's change after the storm foreshadow?
What could Mama's change after the storm foreshadow?
This could mean that in future events Mama will be sick because coughing a lot most likely means you are sick.
What is Valley Fever?
What is Valley Fever?
Valley Fever is a disease of the lungs caused by dust spores which might cause infection.
Why does Mama get Valley Fever when no one else does?
Why does Mama get Valley Fever when no one else does?
What is Esperanza fearful of?
What is Esperanza fearful of?
What symbolism can you find on page 160, and how does it connect to Esperanza's life?
What symbolism can you find on page 160, and how does it connect to Esperanza's life?
What happens as the blanket Esperanza is making grows bigger?
What happens as the blanket Esperanza is making grows bigger?
How does Esperanza feel about her once strong and determined mother changing?
How does Esperanza feel about her once strong and determined mother changing?
What does Esperanza help Isabel make for Silvia's Christmas gift?
What does Esperanza help Isabel make for Silvia's Christmas gift?
What are the three things Esperanza wants for Christmas?
What are the three things Esperanza wants for Christmas?
What does Isabel want for Christmas?
What does Isabel want for Christmas?
'Isabel had nothing, but she also had everything.' Why does Esperanza want what Isabel has?
'Isabel had nothing, but she also had everything.' Why does Esperanza want what Isabel has?
Where had the doctor moved Mama?
Where had the doctor moved Mama?
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Study Notes
Foreshadowing and Symbolism
- Foreshadowing provides hints about future events in a narrative, creating anticipation.
- Mama's persistent coughing following a storm may foreshadow a serious illness in the future, suggesting that her health will deteriorate.
Health and Illness
- Valley Fever is a lung disease triggered by inhaling dust spores, potentially leading to infection.
- Mama's susceptibility to Valley Fever may stem from her unfamiliarity with dust spores, highlighting individual differences in immunity.
- Esperanza fears for her mother’s life, repeating the hopeful phrase, "if she survives."
Esperanza's Emotions and Personal Growth
- While crocheting mountains and valleys, Esperanza reflects on her struggles, questioning if she can ever truly escape her hardships, symbolized by the continuous return to valleys after climbing mountains.
- As Esperanza's blanket grows larger, Mama's health declines, illustrating the emotional connection between their fates.
- Esperanza feels deep sorrow seeing her once-strong mother seemingly give up, potentially mirroring her own feelings of hopelessness.
Christmas Wishes and Relationships
- Esperanza contributes to a Christmas gift by crafting a yarn doll for Isabel's sister, Silvia, representing her desire to foster joy despite hardship.
- Esperanza's three Christmas wishes focus on family well-being: Mama's recovery, increased work opportunities, and longing for softness in her own hands, highlighting her desire for comfort and normalcy.
- Isabel desires "anything" for Christmas, reflecting her lack of material possessions but also an appreciation for simple joys.
- Esperanza envies Isabel's carefree perspective, believing that lack of worries would bring her happiness through the simplicity of a yarn doll.
Medical Care and Support
- The doctor has transferred Mama to a long-term illness ward, indicating a serious concern for her health and the need for specialized care.
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