Esperanza Rising Themes

When Esperanza lived at El Rancho de las Rosas, she and her friends were excited about their Quinceaneras and being old enough to marry, "rising to the positions of their mothers before them (page 8)." How does this meaning of "rising" change in the story and in the title?

• It changed as Miguel decided to give up on his dream of being a train engine mechanic and helping his family.

• It changed as Esperanza earned enough money to return back to Mexico to seek revenge on Tio Luis.

• It changed as Esperanza began to become mature, humble, independent and responsible during her journey.

• It changed as Miguel worked hard to become a train engine mechanic during his journey.

What was the deeper meaning of Carmen saying, "I am poor, but I am rich...?"

• Carmen meant that she may not have a lot of money but she will sell her hens to make some.

• Carmen meant that she doesn't have much but she is thankful and happy with what she has.

• Carmen meant that she is very sad that she is poor and wishes that she was rich like Esperanza.

What does Abuelita really mean when she speaks of "mountains and valleys" when she was teaching Esperanza to crochet the blanket?

• She meant that Esperanza needs to climb a mountain and then go down to the valley and pray.

• She meant that mountains are the sad times and valleys are the happy times.

• She meant that mountains are too steep to climb and valleys are too low to walk in.

• She meant that mountains are the highs in life and valleys are the lows in life.

When Miguel smiled and pointed to the rose bud that was closest to the cabin wall with a makeshift trellis, he said to Esperanza, "So you can climb." What was the deeper meaning behind what he said?

• Miguel meant that the rose has to be able to climb the trellis, so he will care for it.

• Miguel meant that it was now Esperanza's responsibility to take care of the rose bud.

• Miguel meant that Esperanza is doing better at growing up and becoming a better person.

• Miguel meant that Esperanza needs to get better at exercising, so she should climb the trellis.

What would be a good theme (message or lesson) for Esperanza Rising?

• New things aren't worth trying.

• Letting go is tough.

• Never give up, and never be afraid to start over.

Which literary term means the central concept/message/idea in a story ? It often connects with symbols!
Hint: the meaning of the river in Esperanza Rising

• Theme

• Climax

• Conflict

• Point of View

What would be a good theme for Esperanza Rising?

• New things aren't worth trying.

• Letting go is tough.

• Never give up, and never be afraid to start over.

In the final chapter, Esperanza realizes that there are so many “mountains and valleys.” What does this mean? *

• Life is full of good times and challenging times.

• California is a beautiful place to live because there are mountains and valleys all around them.

• Making a quilt is much more difficult than she ever imagined.

• She needs to protect Abuelita from getting Valley Fever.

What does this mean? "We are like the phoenix," said Abuelita. "Rising again, with a new life ahead of us."

• Flying away from home is essential.

• You must walk before you can run.

• Always look toward the future.

• Always keep a pet.

What did Abuelita mean when she said "after many mountains and valleys we will be together?"

• Esperanza was going to have to sew a lot

• Esperanza was going to experience many highs and lows

• Esperanza was going to do a lot of physical climbing

• Esperanza was going to move a lot