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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. What do the travelers sit on in the train to California?

2. What was the issue over which the Mexican Revolution was fought?

3. At the beginning of Chapter 4, what family friend helps the Ortegas and their friends leave Mexico?

4. After Paa's will is explained, who offers to buy the house?

5. On the wagon ride to the train station, why is Esperanza not permitted to ride with Miguel as she wants to?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Esperanza talks with her uncles in her father's office, why does the condition of her father's desk bother her?

2. 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?

3. How does Miguel help Esperanza in her adjustment to work when she is left to do household chores?

4. 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?

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

6. How does the train ride Esperanza takes with her mother and Miguel's family compare or contrast with the previous train trip that Esperanza and Miguel took together with her father?

7. At the time the fire is discovered, what might be the reason Esperanza is dreaming that a bear is waking her?

8. Every chapter is named after a fruit, and that fruit has a role in the action of the chapter. This chapter is "The Guavas." What role do the guavas play in the action of Chapter 4?

9. What has Papa said about Tio Luis and Tio Marco that suggest that they are not men he admires?

10. Although Mama is very patient with Esperanza's huge social adjustment, there is one time when she tells Esperanza that she is ashamed of her. Explain how Esperanza embarrassed her mother.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are many strong female characters in Esperanza Rising. Explore and discuss the view of women that arises from Ryan's characterizations of these women.

Essay Topic 2

Much of what the reader learns about life in the migrant work camps entails children's lives. Comment on the quality of life available to children in these circumstances and how responsible Ryan's portrayal of children in the camps is.

Essay Topic 3

In Esperanza Rising there are numerous references to religion, praying, and engaging "spirits" of dead people in conversations or decisions. Discuss the role spirituality plays in the lives of the characters of Esperanza Rising.

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