Casi Senorita and Dreams of a Better Life Summary and Analysis

In "Casi Senorita," Ramona begins sending the children to church after a neighbor points out that it gives Ramona a free morning without the children. Ramona diligently washes them all thoroughly and Esmeralda says that she's making certain that no one can say they're dirty though someone might say they are heathens. The children attend the Iglesia San Juan Bautista De Pay y Misericordia, Ramona is sent with the older children and she watches as the preacher calls to the congregation to "cast off evil and come to Jesus," prompting calm parishioners to rise and run to the altar, some doubling over in what resembles convulsions. Esmeralda says that she's tempted but can't bring herself to relinquish control of her soul.

It's about this time that Pablo...