Identifying Figurative Language in Esperanza Rising

Esperanza Rising relies on many instances of figurative language to capture Esperanza’s complex emotions and the vivid settings of the story. Storyboards can be a helpful way for students to explore these figurative meanings. Have students search for examples of metaphor, simile, personification, idiom, or hyperbole in the text. Next, ask them to depict each example and explain its meaning and significance below.

Examples of Figurative Language in Esperanza Rising

METAPHOR

"Wait a little while and the fruit will fall into your hand."

This means that Esperanza must be patient; in time, good things will come. Eventually, she finds happiness (the “fruit”) when she, Mama, and Abuelita reunite.

SIMILE

"When Papa was alive, everything was in order, like the dolls lined up in a row."

Like her beautiful, expensive dolls, Esperanza's life was picture-perfect before Papa's death. Everything happened just as Esperanza expected it to.

PERSONIFICATION

"Our land is alive...this whole valley breathes and lives."

This means the characters have an emotional tie to the land. The land brings food and prosperity to the valley. It provides jobs for the laborers and wealth to the owners.

IDIOM

"There is no rose without thorns."

This means that there is no life without difficulties. Esperanza encounters many thorns the year she turns thirteen.

Student Instructions

Create a storyboard that shows three examples of figurative language in Esperanza Rising.

1. Click "Start Assignment".
2. Identify use of figurative language in the text.
3. Put the type of figurative language (such as simile or metaphor) in the title box.
4. Give an example from the text in the description box.
5. Illustrate the example using using a combination of scenes, characters, and items.