Your perspective is unique to you. No one else sees the world quite like you do. This is because no other person has your background, beliefs, thoughts, and feelings. This unique perspective is something that writers also try to give their characters.
Esperanza Rising is written from Esperanza’s perspective, so you see and understand everything through her eyes. Because she is a young girl who has been sheltered from most of life’s difficulties, her knowledge of life is very limited. Pam Muñoz Ryan, the author of the novel, uses Esperanza’s point of view to help readers experience what immigrating to the United States was like in the 1930s, especially for someone who knows little about it.
Because the novel is focused on Esperanza’s point of view, it’s easy to see how she changes and matures over time. In the chapters you’ve read so far, you probably noticed that Esperanza struggles with feelings of superiority. You may have also noticed that she is learning to see herself and others in a more realistic manner.
Use the activity below to review some important details that the author shows you through Esperanza’s eyes. As you recall these details, think about why they are important to the novel.
What does Esperanza notice about Miguel’s uncle and aunt, Juan and Josefina? Why does she notice this when she has never paid much attention to these kinds of distinctions before?
What does Esperanza notice about the land? Why are these details important?
When Isabel asks if Esperanza was really rich, Esperanza becomes irritated. What do these details tell you about the protagonist?
After Miguel apologizes for telling Isabel about Esperanza, Esperanza holds Miguel’s hand. By including these details, what might the author be saying about Esperanza in particular and friendship in general?
Why does the author include details that contrast Esperanza’s father with Marta’s father?
| Your Responses | Sample Answers |
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Esperanza notices that Josefina has a light complexion while Juan is dark. Earlier in the novel, Miguel explained to Esperanza that light-skinned people in Mexico are wealthy, and dark-skinned people are poor. Since then, Esperanza seems to be paying more attention to people, and she is also learning that the social barriers of Mexico do not apply in the U.S. |
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She describes the land and how it is both familiar and peaceful. These details are important because Esperanza’s father taught her to love the land. |
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She is angry at Miguel for telling his relatives about her extravagant life, and she may be embarrassed because she’s realizing how selfish she once was. |
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Esperanza is beginning to see Miguel as a true friend. These details also show that friendship can and should transcend social barriers, as well as common, everyday disagreements and misunderstandings. |
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These details show sympathy for people on opposite sides of the Mexican Revolution—those who were wealthy and those who were poor. |
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