Esperanza's Identity and Belonging Quiz

In My Name, when Esperanza says “It means sadness, it means waiting,” what is she really describing?

• The literal meaning of her name

• Her grandmother’s sadness

• Her own feelings about identity and self

• How others pronounce her name

Why does Esperanza dislike the way teachers say her name?

• They mispronounce it in Spanish

• It sounds harsh and metallic in English

• They confuse her with Nenny

• They don’t know its meaning

In Cathy Queen of Cats, why does Cathy say her family is moving?

• They found a better house

• They can’t afford rent

• The neighborhood is “getting bad” because of families like Esperanza’s

• Cathy doesn’t like Esperanza

What does Esperanza’s willingness to pay $5 for friendship in Our Good Day show?

• She doesn’t understand money

• She is desperate for belonging

• She likes bicycles more than friends

• She doesn’t care about Cathy

When Esperanza compares her name to “a muddy color,” this is an example of:

• Symbolism

• Imagery

• Alliteration

• Irony

Which best shows Esperanza’s longing for a real home?

• Her family’s excitement about moving to Mango Street

• Her memory of the nun asking where she lived

• Her brother’s refusal to talk outside the house

• Nenny’s hair sliding out of barrettes

In Boys & Girls, why does Esperanza describe herself as a “red balloon tied to an anchor”?

• She feels weighed down by Nenny

• She is proud of her culture

• She likes balloons

• She wants to escape Mango Street

In Hairs, what does Esperanza’s description of her mother’s hair reveal?

• It is messy like a broom

• It symbolizes safety and comfort

• She wants curly hair

• She is embarrassed by it

“Songs like sobbing” is an example of:

• Repetition

• Simile

• Tone

• Irony

The repetition of “My mother’s hair” emphasizes:

• That Esperanza dislikes it

• That Esperanza admires and feels safe with her mother

• That her family all have different hair

• That she is bored