As you read the previous chapter, “Las Cebollas: Onions,” you saw how Esperanza struggled with the challenges of her new life. She is surprised by the small cabin she must share with others. She feels discouraged because she does not know how to do simple tasks, like sweeping or changing a diaper.
Esperanza is also becoming aware of how many privileges she had when she lived in Mexico—though she did not even realize it at the time. How will Esperanza get past her embarrassment and loneliness? Will she ever learn to do her work well? Read on to find out.
Read the Novel
Read the chapter titled “Las Almendras: Almonds” in Esperanza Rising before moving on to the next page in this lesson.
As you read, try to answer these questions for yourself.
| In what ways does Esperanza’s mother surprise her in this chapter? How do these surprises help Esperanza imagine a different future for herself? |
| What does Esperanza realize about Miguel in this chapter? |
| What new conflict will Esperanza’s second encounter with Marta introduce? |
