Shaping Interpretations
1. When Esperanza’s mother uses the idiom “smart cookie” to describe herself, what does she mean?
2. What does Esperanza’s mother mean when she says “Got to take care all your own”? How does this statement relate to her comments about education?
3. What advice is Esperanza’s mother giving her daughter? From your experience, do you think Esperanza is likely to follow her mother’s advice?
Extending the Text
4. Describe Esperanza’s mother’s attitude toward education. What do you think she would say about education to the speaker of “Legacy II”? How would he reply?