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Esperanza Rising: Deeper Meanings and Themes (Las Uvas-Las Papas

Total questions: 14

Worksheet time: 7mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

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?

a)

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

b)

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

c)

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

d)

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

2.

What themes did "Las Uvas" represent?

a)

beginning of a new life, grief, shocking death of a loved one

b)

disrespect of the dead loved one, missing the dead loved one, cherishing memories

c)

betrayal, anger, resentment, lies and secret plans

d)

hiding, escape, panic, bravery, social classes, being humble

3.

True or False: Each fruit or vegetable featured in the chapters also represented a season of time passing.

a)

True

b)

False

4.

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

a)

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

b)

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

c)

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

5.

What were the themes from "Las Papayas?"

a)

hiding, escape, panic, bravery, social classes, being humble

b)

betrayal, anger, resentment, lies and secret plans

c)

grief, disrespect of dead loved one, missing the dead loved one, cherishing memories

d)

beginning of new life, grief, shocking death of a loved one

6.

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

a)

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

b)

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

c)

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

d)

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

7.

Why were the rose cuttings that Alfonso and Miguel carried with them to the US from Mexico very important?

a)

The rose cuttings represented wealth and fame.

b)

The rose cuttings represented Papa's spirit.

c)

The rose cuttings represented Abuelita's spirit.

d)

The rose cuttings represented Tio Luis seeking revenge.

8.

What are the themes from "Los Higos?"

a)

beginning of a new life, grief, shocking death of a loved one

b)

grief, disrespect of the dead loved one, missing the dead loved one, cherishing memories

c)

hiding, escape, panic, bravery, social classes and being humble

d)

betrayal, anger, resentment, lies and secret plans

9.

What are the themes from "Las Guayabas?"

a)

beginning of a new life, grief, shocking death of a loved one

b)

betrayal, anger, resentment, lies and secret plans

c)

hiding, escape, panic, bravery, social classes and being humble

d)

grief, disrespect of the dead loved one, missing the dead loved one, cherishing memories

10.

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?

a)

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

b)

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

c)

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

d)

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

11.

The phoenix is a mythical bird that would live for one day and then die in a blaze of fire only to rise from the ashes and live again another day. What did Abuelita mean when she said to her family, "We are like the phoenix?"

a)

She meant that the tale of the phoenix makes her feel sad and she wants to go cry in the convent.

b)

She meant that they would hunt for a phoenix and use its energy to be successful again.

c)

She meant that they will overcome their hardships and be successful even though their life was ruined.

d)

She meant that her family had superpowers and would seek revenge.

12.

Which of the following could be themes from "Los Melones?"

a)

hard work, trying your best, being tired, responsibility, embarrassment

b)

happiness, love, embarrassment, being humble, being grateful

c)

feeling disrespected, having confidence, anxiety, jealousy

13.

Which of the following could be themes from "Las Cebollas?"

a)

being sheltered, pampering, resentment, seeking revenge, maturity

b)

no experience with working, being grateful, responsibility, embarrassment

c)

jealousy, envy, rage, loss of a loved one, happiness

14.

The "Las Almendras" chapter's themes were: hard work, cherishing a loved one, embarrassment, differing views, having empathy for others

a)

True

b)

False