Main Character and Point of View Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan is told in 3rd person limited. The narrator tells the reader what the main character, Esperanza is thinking and feeling. “Esperanza felt that sinking feeling again.”(p.74) Esperanza Ortega is rich, elegant, and not used to hard labor and being a poor peasant. Esperanza is 12 years old and always thought her life would be wonderful with many fancy dresses and servants. "Esperanza looked at her Mama in surprise. Why was she apologizing to these people? She and Mama shouldn't even be sitting in this car." (p.69) Supporting Characters The supporting characters are Esperanza’s Mama, Ramona, Abuelita, Miguel, and Tio Luis. Ramona is just like Esperanza. She motivates Esperanza to …show more content…
The story starts in Aguascalientes, Mexico, at El Rancho de las Rosas, where Esperanza lives. Later in the story, Esperanza moves to a Mexican immigrant worker camp in California. Main Problem and Resolution Esperanza and her family must flee to a Mexican immigrant worker camp in California. Work is hard for Esperanza, especially when her Mama gets Valley Fever, her Papa is dead, and there’s a strike for better wages. "Esperanza felt anger crawling up her throat. ‘Mama, we are living like horses! How can you sing? How can you be happy? We don't even have room to call our own."'(p.103) After a year of working at the immigrant camp, Esperanza got used to the work, Esperanza's mother gets better and her family gets reunited. "'She always gets called to work in the sheds, she cooks now, and takes care of the babies as well as their own mother.'"(p.230) Esperanza learns to accept the fact that she may never have her old life back. "Miguel had been right about never giving up."(p.250) Theme The theme of this book is perseverance. “Do not be afraid to start over” (p.253 ) Esperanza never gave up while fighting through many difficult times. "It is no wonder that in Spanish, esperanza means