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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. While the family is waiting for Papa to come in from the fields at the end of the day, who is it that the family worries about?

2. Who made the first cut at harvest time?

3. What is Abelitia's parting gift to Esperanza?

4. In Chapter 5, what is the name of the border town where the travelers face an immigration review?

5. What is it that Esperanza plays with on the train until interrupted by another child?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what way does the author's description of what survived the fire reveal the degree of ruin?

2. What is the symbolism of the author having Alfonso and his son Miguel be the ones who return to the ranch with the dead body of Papa?

3. Mama seems quick to interpret Esperanza's cut finger as a omen involving her husband. Why might she be preoccupied with his safety at this time?

4. How does Senor Rodriguez's gift of papayas renew the grief Esperanza already feels for the loss of her father?

5. In the beginning of the story, the reader sees two parents who love their daughter. What kind of life do Esperanza's parents prepare her for?

6. How does Esperanza'a reaction to her fellow travelers on the family trip from Mexico to California compare or contrast to her mother's reaction to them?

7. The harvest is a time when all farmers have their work rewarded, so it is easy to understand why it is their favorite time of year. Why does Esperanza imply that it is her favorite time of year?

8. In what way is the character of Tio Luis a stock character, in this case, the villain?

9. In addition to Esperanza's father's death, what else is awful about the way in which Esperanza wakes on on her birthday?

10. In what way is the ruined rose garden a symbol?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How might the concept of family be part of a theme of Esperanza Rising?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the work ethic as evidenced in Esperanza Rising. What might the author be saying about the value of work?

Essay Topic 3

Ramona, Esperanza's mother, undergoes a dramatic change in status. Discuss and evaluate Ramona as a role model for Esperanza.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 789 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample