Thinking Cap Section Answers
This star ( *) indicates that there are multiple answers for that question.
1. Esperanza changed from the beginning of the story to the end of the story. In the first part of the story, Esperanza was a petite, insecure girl, who could not even pick up a broom. Esperanza changed into a wise, elegant, young women who could save and supply a life for not only her, but also her mothers. Even though she became more mature, Esperanza also kept her faith, traditions, and religions, alive throughout the entire story.*
2. If Miguel didn’t fetch Abuelita from Mexico I truly believe that Mama would have died. Mama had so much to fight for, her child, mother, and her own life. If Abuelita never arrived, Mama might not have had the courage to fight for those who loved her. Because of Tio Luis’ search for Mama and Esperanza. I don’t think Esperanza would have been able to reach her beloved Abuelita.*
3. Because of the evidence that I have found about Miguel and Esperanza relationship. I believe that their relationship is very romantic when Esperanza said her embarrassing secret, Miguel has always called her my reina or my queen. When Esperanza says that “she lives on one side of the river and Miguel on the other, and the rivers can never be crossed.” I think she means that a relationship with each other would be awkward because Esperanza was like a queen and Miguel was her servant. A queen and a servant are not meant to be together.*
4. I agree with Ramona’s actions, such as not marrying Tio Luis and leaving Mexico. I don’t think she should have married Tio Luis because it isn’t proper to ask for a woman’s hand in marriage immediately after her husband dies. Tio Luis should have been respectful to Mama especially because Tio Luis is Papa’s brother. I believe Tio Luis only wanted to marry Mama because of her house and money that El Rancho De Las Rosa provided.*
5. When Esperanza is about to leave Aguascalientes, Mexico, I believe that she feels that she is leaving her Papa because she is also leaving her home. In her home, Esperanza shared and experienced so many wonderful memories with her father. Her father always chose his decisions cautiously, because he always wanted his family to be protected. Sadly after he passed away they were not protected.*
6. Based on what I know, I believe that Marta is an approachable and sometimes self centered person. Marta stands out from other because Marta is not afraid to stand up and express her feelings and beliefs. One of Marta’s poor actions was when she went with strikers to protest. All the strikers were taken back to the Mexico border while Marta hid in the asparagus shed. Esperanza spared her and did not speak of Marta’s poor actions.*
7. I think Esperanza described Mama being sick of traveling in a valley because Esperanza and Mama are trying to find the light or the way out of the valley. The valley is the long journey the Esperanza and her family must take while the light or way out of the valley is the happiness that they seek.*
8. Papa dying, El Rancho De Las Rosas burning down, and moving to the San Joaquin Valley made Esperanza stronger because she learned to be more independent. Esperanza no longer needed to be cared for; she learned to take care of herself and the others in her environment with so many children surrounding her. Esperanza had to learn to become a more mature and secure young woman.*
9. If Mama would have died I believe that Esperanza would have become incredibly depressed. She would have been discouraging to others and Esperanza’s actions would have been very sluggish and depressing. I also think that her relationships would grow stronger because Esperanza would be left without any other family. Juan, Josefina, Isabel, Miguel, Hortensia, and Alfonso most likely would have “stepped in” and guided Esperanza back to her normal life style. *
10. Other than for entertainment, I believe that Abuelita grabbed her crocheting bag to keep their family traditions alive even in the most difficult times. While Abuelita was still in the burning house, I believe Abuelita predicted that a famine would occur along with struggles. To keep spirits high in the most miserable days. Abuelita provided a reason to keep faith and hope alive.*
11. Mama is like Esperanza. She is a beautiful, smart, strong, independent woman. When Esperanza and other servants at El Rancho De Los Rosas were filled with grief, Mama always kept her friends and family in safekeeping. When Mama was telling Juan and Josefina, “Thank you for all you have done for us already,” Mama was being so grateful for the opportunity that was given by someone she didn’t even know. Mama was left with no money after her house was burnt to the ground. When Juan and Josefina offered to drive them to their new cabin, Mama was floored and was so appreciative of the offer. Mama and Esperanza had no money or clothes, so even the smallest deed made a huge difference.*
12. When Mama was carrying the “poor box” and Esperanza asked why they needed to worry about the clothes for poor people, was being incredibly ignorant. Esperanza had not yet realized that she was no longer fit for a queen. She was now a peasant like Miguel and Alfonso. Esperanza was not any richer than the dirty people living on the streets.*
13. Other than giving the ill babies rice milk, Esperanza also comforted Isabel in her time of need. At Isabel’s school a Queen of the May competition was being held for the most beautiful, smart, and elegant girls. Sadly, because Isabel was from Mexico, another girl was chosen as Queen of the May. Isabel prayed to the Lady of Guadalupe and even received 4.0 grades, yet she still didn’t get awarded as the Queen of the May. Isabel cried her little heart out and Esperanza was always there to comfort her. I believe Esperanza was so motherly because when she had to take care of her sick mother, she also learned to take care of the others in her environment. *
14. Based on Esperanza’s problems I do believe that I can solve my own problems. Esperanza lost her house, her loving father, and had to move from the country that she was born and raised in. Esperanza faced and conquered more than I can accomplish. It shows that somewhere else in the world, there are people suffering more than you. We shouldn’t focus on what we want, we should be thankful for what we have.*
15. The benefits of Esperanza learning the life of a poor person than learning the life of a rich one is that Esperanza witnessed the way misfortunate people have to live. Families with as many as nine people had to live in a three room cabin. Esperanza shared a mansion with only four people. The Mexican farm workers had very little clothing and Esperanza had tons of valuable dresses. If Esperanza was poor and learned the life of a rich person, she would have most likely praised the wealthy life and would have never returned to the life she previously had. *
16. If Tio Luis and his men found Mama and Esperanza, I think they would be seriously punished. Tio Luis would most likely be furious that they ran off and did not get married. Mama and Esperanza would have to live the rest of their lives with Tio Luis, always being watched and under surveillance. Every day, Mama and Esperanza would see the monster and the person who betrayed them. I have a great feeling that Tio Luis wouldn’t give Mama and Esperanza the beautiful clothes, they wished to have. He would have treated them as another one of his servants.*
17. If I was Mama, and I heard Esperanza say that she would now be the leader of the family, I would be filled with so much joy and relief. To hear your daughter say that she will now take care of the family is a huge honor for every parent. I’m sure Mama would be worried about her family and to know that they are in safe keeping, fills everyone with such delight. Esperanza learned from her mother and is now passing on her wisdom and strength.*
18. I think Miguel chose to take the money orders and retrieve Abuelita because Miguel knew that the money orders would not reach Abuelita for two reasons. One reason I think the money orders would not reach Abuelita is because Tio Luis most likely had every piece of mail searched for any evidence of Mama. Another reason is because Esperanza would not have the strength nor the money to deliver the money orders herself. Miguel did an enormous favor for Mama, Esperanza, and Abuelita.*
19. It was fatal that Esperanza knew that she was now a peasant because if she didn’t people would soon start to treat her awfully. Esperanza was judging others when she was not any greater. On the bus, a small girl wanted to hold Esperanza’s doll, but Esperanza refused. Esperanza called the girl dirty and untrustworthy when Esperanza was just the same.*
20. If I were to interview Isabel. I would ask her three questions. First, why were you always looking up to Esperanza as a role Model? Second, why was winning Queen of the May so important to you? Finally, do you wish that you could experience the life Esperanza once had? *
1. Esperanza changed from the beginning of the story to the end of the story. In the first part of the story, Esperanza was a petite, insecure girl, who could not even pick up a broom. Esperanza changed into a wise, elegant, young women who could save and supply a life for not only her, but also her mothers. Even though she became more mature, Esperanza also kept her faith, traditions, and religions, alive throughout the entire story.*
2. If Miguel didn’t fetch Abuelita from Mexico I truly believe that Mama would have died. Mama had so much to fight for, her child, mother, and her own life. If Abuelita never arrived, Mama might not have had the courage to fight for those who loved her. Because of Tio Luis’ search for Mama and Esperanza. I don’t think Esperanza would have been able to reach her beloved Abuelita.*
3. Because of the evidence that I have found about Miguel and Esperanza relationship. I believe that their relationship is very romantic when Esperanza said her embarrassing secret, Miguel has always called her my reina or my queen. When Esperanza says that “she lives on one side of the river and Miguel on the other, and the rivers can never be crossed.” I think she means that a relationship with each other would be awkward because Esperanza was like a queen and Miguel was her servant. A queen and a servant are not meant to be together.*
4. I agree with Ramona’s actions, such as not marrying Tio Luis and leaving Mexico. I don’t think she should have married Tio Luis because it isn’t proper to ask for a woman’s hand in marriage immediately after her husband dies. Tio Luis should have been respectful to Mama especially because Tio Luis is Papa’s brother. I believe Tio Luis only wanted to marry Mama because of her house and money that El Rancho De Las Rosa provided.*
5. When Esperanza is about to leave Aguascalientes, Mexico, I believe that she feels that she is leaving her Papa because she is also leaving her home. In her home, Esperanza shared and experienced so many wonderful memories with her father. Her father always chose his decisions cautiously, because he always wanted his family to be protected. Sadly after he passed away they were not protected.*
6. Based on what I know, I believe that Marta is an approachable and sometimes self centered person. Marta stands out from other because Marta is not afraid to stand up and express her feelings and beliefs. One of Marta’s poor actions was when she went with strikers to protest. All the strikers were taken back to the Mexico border while Marta hid in the asparagus shed. Esperanza spared her and did not speak of Marta’s poor actions.*
7. I think Esperanza described Mama being sick of traveling in a valley because Esperanza and Mama are trying to find the light or the way out of the valley. The valley is the long journey the Esperanza and her family must take while the light or way out of the valley is the happiness that they seek.*
8. Papa dying, El Rancho De Las Rosas burning down, and moving to the San Joaquin Valley made Esperanza stronger because she learned to be more independent. Esperanza no longer needed to be cared for; she learned to take care of herself and the others in her environment with so many children surrounding her. Esperanza had to learn to become a more mature and secure young woman.*
9. If Mama would have died I believe that Esperanza would have become incredibly depressed. She would have been discouraging to others and Esperanza’s actions would have been very sluggish and depressing. I also think that her relationships would grow stronger because Esperanza would be left without any other family. Juan, Josefina, Isabel, Miguel, Hortensia, and Alfonso most likely would have “stepped in” and guided Esperanza back to her normal life style. *
10. Other than for entertainment, I believe that Abuelita grabbed her crocheting bag to keep their family traditions alive even in the most difficult times. While Abuelita was still in the burning house, I believe Abuelita predicted that a famine would occur along with struggles. To keep spirits high in the most miserable days. Abuelita provided a reason to keep faith and hope alive.*
11. Mama is like Esperanza. She is a beautiful, smart, strong, independent woman. When Esperanza and other servants at El Rancho De Los Rosas were filled with grief, Mama always kept her friends and family in safekeeping. When Mama was telling Juan and Josefina, “Thank you for all you have done for us already,” Mama was being so grateful for the opportunity that was given by someone she didn’t even know. Mama was left with no money after her house was burnt to the ground. When Juan and Josefina offered to drive them to their new cabin, Mama was floored and was so appreciative of the offer. Mama and Esperanza had no money or clothes, so even the smallest deed made a huge difference.*
12. When Mama was carrying the “poor box” and Esperanza asked why they needed to worry about the clothes for poor people, was being incredibly ignorant. Esperanza had not yet realized that she was no longer fit for a queen. She was now a peasant like Miguel and Alfonso. Esperanza was not any richer than the dirty people living on the streets.*
13. Other than giving the ill babies rice milk, Esperanza also comforted Isabel in her time of need. At Isabel’s school a Queen of the May competition was being held for the most beautiful, smart, and elegant girls. Sadly, because Isabel was from Mexico, another girl was chosen as Queen of the May. Isabel prayed to the Lady of Guadalupe and even received 4.0 grades, yet she still didn’t get awarded as the Queen of the May. Isabel cried her little heart out and Esperanza was always there to comfort her. I believe Esperanza was so motherly because when she had to take care of her sick mother, she also learned to take care of the others in her environment. *
14. Based on Esperanza’s problems I do believe that I can solve my own problems. Esperanza lost her house, her loving father, and had to move from the country that she was born and raised in. Esperanza faced and conquered more than I can accomplish. It shows that somewhere else in the world, there are people suffering more than you. We shouldn’t focus on what we want, we should be thankful for what we have.*
15. The benefits of Esperanza learning the life of a poor person than learning the life of a rich one is that Esperanza witnessed the way misfortunate people have to live. Families with as many as nine people had to live in a three room cabin. Esperanza shared a mansion with only four people. The Mexican farm workers had very little clothing and Esperanza had tons of valuable dresses. If Esperanza was poor and learned the life of a rich person, she would have most likely praised the wealthy life and would have never returned to the life she previously had. *
16. If Tio Luis and his men found Mama and Esperanza, I think they would be seriously punished. Tio Luis would most likely be furious that they ran off and did not get married. Mama and Esperanza would have to live the rest of their lives with Tio Luis, always being watched and under surveillance. Every day, Mama and Esperanza would see the monster and the person who betrayed them. I have a great feeling that Tio Luis wouldn’t give Mama and Esperanza the beautiful clothes, they wished to have. He would have treated them as another one of his servants.*
17. If I was Mama, and I heard Esperanza say that she would now be the leader of the family, I would be filled with so much joy and relief. To hear your daughter say that she will now take care of the family is a huge honor for every parent. I’m sure Mama would be worried about her family and to know that they are in safe keeping, fills everyone with such delight. Esperanza learned from her mother and is now passing on her wisdom and strength.*
18. I think Miguel chose to take the money orders and retrieve Abuelita because Miguel knew that the money orders would not reach Abuelita for two reasons. One reason I think the money orders would not reach Abuelita is because Tio Luis most likely had every piece of mail searched for any evidence of Mama. Another reason is because Esperanza would not have the strength nor the money to deliver the money orders herself. Miguel did an enormous favor for Mama, Esperanza, and Abuelita.*
19. It was fatal that Esperanza knew that she was now a peasant because if she didn’t people would soon start to treat her awfully. Esperanza was judging others when she was not any greater. On the bus, a small girl wanted to hold Esperanza’s doll, but Esperanza refused. Esperanza called the girl dirty and untrustworthy when Esperanza was just the same.*
20. If I were to interview Isabel. I would ask her three questions. First, why were you always looking up to Esperanza as a role Model? Second, why was winning Queen of the May so important to you? Finally, do you wish that you could experience the life Esperanza once had? *
