Examples Of Mexican Culture In Esperanza Rising

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Recommended: Essay about intersectionality

Alexis Goodall
Ms. Gourd
Pre-AP 10th Grade English
March 30, 2018
RISE TO THE TOP Jesse Jackson once said, “If you fall behind, run faster. Never give up, never surrender, and rise up against the odds”. Being apart of a certain culture, leads to one acting, being, and looking different. In the novel, Esperanza Rising, Mexican culture is represented, and it genuinely displays how it progresses. In Esperanza Rising, one sees accurate elements of the Mexican culture through speech, setting, and traditions. Although Esperanza and her family are Mexican, they gravitate their English side. “Cuidate los dedos”, said Papa. “Watch your fingers”. (Ryan page 4). Speaking Spanish and English isn’t just a skill, it’s a gift. The fact that her family …show more content…

“Mama looked at Esperanza with eyes that said, “forgive me.” Then she dropped her head and stared at the ground. I will consider your proposal,” said Mama”. (Ryan 45). Shortly after her dad died, Esperanza’s mother has been asked to marry Tio Luis, (her husbands brother). This not only affects her mother, it affects her as well. One shouldn’t have to go through certain situations. It’s difficult because it may seem like her mother has a choice, but she truly doesn’t. If the culture wasn’t Mexican, aspects would be completely different. “She watched and wondered how she would fit into this world”. (Ryan 101). If it were a different culture, Esperanza wouldn’t have to marry a stranger, and her family wouldn’t have to speed through their problems. If the culture was American for instance, Esperanza wouldn’t have to get married at a young age.In this novel, English is often used. “Please, Mama,” she begged, “You must eat more soup”. (Ryan 170). When they fled to California, they experienced new things. In America, the majority of citizens speaks English. Esperanza and her family are exposed to a completely divergent culture. In Mexico, they’re used to perceiving spanish, but since they’re in America now, they’re perceiving mainy …show more content…

A fire and a man name Tio Luis caused them to flee to California. Instead of sitting around and being fancy like they used too, they became workers. For the first time in forever, they learned what hard work certainty felt like. “After Mama fell asleep, Esperanza picked up the needlework and began where Abuelita had left off”. (Ryan 60). Esperanza didn’t know what work was, until she accomplished it. She didn’t know that things took time. Coming to America, modified everything for not just her family, but her as well. It made life exciting, new, and special in their eyes. “A week later Esperanza put yet another bundle of asparagus”. (Ryan 216). Before Esperanza came to America, she didn’t even know what asparagus was. She was used to eating tacos and tamales. Being in a different place, allows one to do new things. “Esperanza reached for Miguel’s hand and found it, and even though her mind was soaring to infinite possibilities, his touch held her heart to the earth”. (Ryan 251). At the beginning of this novel, Esperanza was going to marry a complete stranger, but once she moved away, she finally experienced what love felt like. Miguel made her feel different, special, and incredible. There’s no greater feeling than

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