When teaching the novel, Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan, I would introduce the conversation surrounding Socrates and humility after reading Chapter 5 in the novel, when Esperanza is faced with the realization that she and her mother are now peasants after a life of riches. Students can discuss the many things that Esperanza “knows nothing” about in regard to what her new life will be like in America. This novel and conversation lend themselves well to identifying character change, as Esperanza behaves quite differently later in the novel.
Level: Secondary English/Language Arts
Subject Area: American Literature
Author: Tiffany Heitman
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