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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. When Esperanza brings the requested object to the hospital, what does it smell of?

2. What is the surprise Alfonso and Miguel show the women after dinner in Chapter 7?

3. On Esperanza's day first day of work alone, what does she ruin?

4. When Esperanza goes to bed after the strike, what does she worry about?

5. Esperanza gives the babies rice water to sip. From whom does she get this idea?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the significance of Esperanza's visit to the hospital on Christmas Day?

2. Chapter 10 is entitled Los Aguacates, the avocados. Why is this a meaningful title for this particular chapter?

3. At the end of the Chapter 7, Esperanza prays. How do her prayers reveal the subtle change she is beginning to make?

4. In what way is Mama's illness a commentary on the working conditions of the migrant workers?

5. What is the symbolic significance of the the shrine Alfonso and Miguel erect?

6. When Esperanza helps Marta after the immigration sweep, what is it about Marta that wins over Esperanza?

7. How does the short, intimate exchange Mama and Esperanza have after the jamaica effect Esperanza's mood?

8. Comment on the image of communal life at this work camp once the work day is over that Ryan portrays in Chapter 7.

9. How does Miguel's attitude toward his job being taken away differ from Esperanza's position about this injustice?

10. In Chapter 9, when Esperanza brings the blanket to the hospital, why do she and Mama cry?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Ortegas and Alfonso's family are never far from nature. Even when they are rich, Ryan resorts to nature imagery. Later, when they live as peasants, they are close to nature. Discuss the role of nature and the nature imagery in Esperanza Rising.

Essay Topic 2

Harvest is a time of celebration and reward. The farmer is rewarded for his hard work by the fruits of his labor. How might Papa's death so soon after harvest be a symbolic of something?

Essay Topic 3

The title of this novel is Esperanza Rising. There is a scenario in Chapter 5 wherein Esperanza feels she is floating above the earth. However, there are several meanings of the word "rising." Reflect on this scene and the meanings of this book. Finally, with attention to more than one meaning of the word, explain why Esperanza Rising is an appropriate title for this novel.

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