Esperanza Rising Lesson Plan

Esperanza and the others face several dangers when leaving Aguascalientes. Describe her fears, both of what is happening, as well as what might happen.

Esperanza experiences a physical, claustrophobic reaction to being trapped under the boards in the wagon, along with her bigger fears of leaving her home and her Papa behind, especially when thoughts of a past train ride remind her of him. Students should be able to identify both her physical and emotional reactions to these fears. However, students should also note that Esperanza seems more afraid of these things than of running into Tío Luis or any bandits, though Mama and Hortensia both assure her that they must remain hidden...