Four Skinny Trees

The connotation of the word keep in this text is...

• determination and persistence
• to own something 
• unwilling to share

Which of the following best reveals that Esperanza believes the trees symbolize her?

• "They are the only ones who understand me."
• "Let one forget his reason for being, they'd all droop..."
• "Their strength is secret..."
• "Four whose only reason is to be and be."

What do we learn about Esperanza when she describes the trees, "Their strength is secret. They send ferocious roots beneath the ground"?

• She is afraid of the tree.
• She identifies with the trees' hidden strength. 
• The tree poisons the ground around it.

When Esperanza says, "four who grew despite concrete," what does this symbolize?

• These are suburban trees that have been affected by the city.
• The trees are not healthy and cannot produce fruit.
• Just like the trees she will overcome challenges and still grow.

How does the author characterize Esperanza in this text?

• Through the implication that the descriptions of the trees also apply to Epseranza.
• Through the thoughts and actions of the other characters. 
• Through her response and reaction to other characters.

The tone of the text is one of resolve. Which of the following lines from the text help create the resolved tone?

• "Four who reach and do not forget to reach." 
• "Let one forget his reason for being..."
• Four skinny trees with skinny necks and elbows like mine..."

Which of the following is a possible theme for the vignette?

• Inspiration and encouragement can come from unlikely sources.
• The grass is always greener on the other side. 
• Water your trees or they will die.
• Being sad an negative will not fix your problems.