In Chapter 4 of Esperanza Rising, Pam Muñoz Ryan describes Esperanza’s experience on the train, followed by Miguel’s experience. Contrast how Esperanza and Miguel feel about the journey to California.

Mama shows Esperanza how to adapt to their new circumstances through her words and her actions. She treats Carmen, a woman from a much lower class, with the same respect and compassion that she would have treated any one of her social equals. When Esperanza sees Carmen give money to the poor beggar woman outside the train, she realizes that one does not have to be wealthy to be generous. In fact, Miguel explains to Esperanza that the poor must depend on each other for help because the rich do not help anyone but each other.