what did Esperanza learn from the new people she met-the little girl carmen and isabel?

Answer 1

Esperanza, the main character in the novel "Esperanza Rising" by Pam Muñoz Ryan, learns several important lessons from the new people she meets, including Carmen and Isabel. The story revolves around Esperanza's experiences as an immigrant from Mexico living in the United States during the Great Depression. Here are some of the key lessons Esperanza learns from Carmen and Isabel:

1. **The Value of Friendship:** Esperanza initially arrives in the United States with a sense of superiority and privilege due to her family's social standing in Mexico. However, she quickly learns the importance of forming genuine friendships, especially with Carmen and Isabel. They become her close friends and support her in times of need, teaching her that friendship and camaraderie are more important than social status.

2. **Empathy and Compassion:** Through her interactions with Carmen and Isabel, Esperanza learns about the challenges and hardships faced by others, particularly immigrant workers who toil in the fields. This experience helps her develop empathy and compassion for people in difficult circumstances.

3. **Hard Work and Humility:** Before moving to the United States, Esperanza had never performed manual labor or faced financial struggles. Working alongside Carmen and Isabel, she learns the value of hard work, humility, and perseverance. She discovers that manual labor is honorable and that people should be proud of the work they do to provide for their families.

4. **Resilience and Adaptability:** Esperanza faces numerous challenges, including losing her family's wealth, adjusting to a different culture, and experiencing discrimination. She learns to be resilient and adaptable, adapting to her new life with grace and determination.

5. **Cultural Appreciation:** Esperanza's interactions with Carmen and Isabel provide her with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Mexican Culture. She learns to embrace her cultural heritage and celebrates her Mexican identity even while living in the United States.

6. **Unity and Family Bonds:** Carmen and Isabel become like family to Esperanza. She realizes that family goes beyond blood relations and that people can find support, love, and belonging in unlikely places.

7. **The Power of Hope:** The novel's title, "Esperanza Rising," reflects the overarching theme of hope. Esperanza learns that even in the face of adversity, hope can be a source of strength and resilience.

Throughout the novel, Esperanza's journey is one of personal growth and transformation. Her experiences with Carmen and Isabel play a significant role in shaping her character and her understanding of the world.