1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Why is Esperanza left alone to care for the two babies?
Why do the babies become ill under Esperanza’s care?
Why doesn’t the strike take place?
Why is the dust storm so destructive?
How does Mama become ill? Why is Esperanza fearful after hearing the doctor’s
diagnosis?
Why does Esperanza continue working on the crocheted blanket that Abuelita had begun?
Why is Mama taken to the hospital?
Why does Esperanza decide to work in the sheds?
How would you assess Esperanza’s first day caring for Lupe and Pepe? Do you think
the babies should have been left in her care?
What is happening to Esperanza’s memories about life in Mexico? Has this ever
happened to you?
What does Esperanza mean when she says that Isabel has nothing but she has every-
thing? Do you know anyone who is like Isabel? Do you know anyone who has
everything, but has nothing?
Do you think that Esperanza will succeed in being strong for Mama?
Simile—What is being compared in the following simile?
It [the dust] had settled on the world, covering everything like
a suede blanket.
Usingt he example from the previous question
Why is this better than saying “Dust was everywhere”?
Metaphor—What is being compared in the following metaphor?
Would she [Esperanza] ever escape this valley she was living
in? This valley of Mama being sick?
Using the example from the previous question.
What mood does this create?
light and quick
drove forward
disturb
ceremony
very unpleasant
tending to spread from person to person, as an illness
too tired to care about anything
deprived of something
having the attention fixed upon
uniform
having a damp, moldy smell