How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
After their Quinceañeras, they would be old enough to be courted, marry, and become las patronas, the heads of their households, rising to the positions of their mothers before them. (2.11)
Esperanza and her friends have their lives all planned out. She's going to have a big fifteenth birthday party, date a wealthy young man, and get married. Because that's just what the daughters of rich families do. It sounds like a nice enough dream, but we wonder what kind of dream it is, if it's the only future imaginable.
Quote #2
Yes, she thought. They could have a home in California. A beautiful home. Alfonso and Hortensia and Miguel could take care of them and they'd be rid of the uncles. And Abuelita would join them, as soon as she was well. (4.71)
Esperanza's backup plan involves keeping her servants and her luxurious lifestyle… and moving it all to California. We guess it hasn't really sunk in yet that she's not rich anymore. But don't worry. It will soon enough.
Quote #3
He chatted with the conductors. He got off at every stop and watched the engineers. He studied the train schedule and wanted to report it all to Esperanza. He seemed as happy as Esperanza was irritable.
"When I get to California, I am going to work for the railroad," said Miguel, looking anxiously toward the horizon. (5.69-70)
Check out the contrast here. Miguel is totally hyped up right now because he's following his dream. But Esperanza is majorly bummed because all of her plans have just been messed up. She's not following her dream. Her dream has ditched her, and she has to get a new one.