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.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"There is no rose without thorns."
This means that there is no life without difficulties. Esperanza encounters many thorns the year she turns thirteen.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows three examples of figurative language in Esperanza Rising.
Start class by reading short passages from Esperanza Rising that highlight metaphors, similes, or personification. Discuss each example and its effect before students search for their own. This builds context and makes abstract concepts more concrete.
Read a section aloud and pause when you find figurative language. Think aloud about what type it is and what it means. This shows students how to spot and interpret these literary devices in real time.
Work together to make a chart listing types of figurative language, definitions, and new examples from the book. Display the chart as a class reference. This helps reinforce learning and supports ongoing identification.
Pair up students to discuss the meaning and significance of an example they find. Encourage them to explain their thinking and listen to their partner’s ideas. This builds understanding and confidence.
Ask students to write down one figurative language example from the day’s reading and briefly explain its meaning. Review exit tickets to identify who needs more support. This provides immediate feedback and closure.
Esperanza Rising uses figurative language like metaphor ("the fruit will fall into your hand"), simile ("like the dolls lined up in a row"), personification ("the valley breathes and lives"), and idiom ("there is no rose without thorns") to deepen meaning and emotion in the story.
Have students identify examples of metaphors, similes, personification, idioms, or hyperbole in the text. Then, let them create storyboards illustrating each example and explaining its meaning and significance.
Encourage students to look for comparisons using "like" or "as" for similes, and direct statements equating two things for metaphors. Using examples from the book, have students highlight and discuss their findings in groups or with partners.
Figurative language helps convey Esperanza’s emotions and brings the story’s setting to life. It allows readers to connect more deeply with the characters and themes by using vivid imagery and creative expressions.
Start by selecting three examples of figurative language from the text. Label each with its type, add a quote, and illustrate the meaning using scenes or characters. Use a combination of images and brief descriptions to show understanding.