How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Out back is a small garage for the car we don't own yet and a small yard that looks smaller between the two buildings on either side. […] The house has only one washroom. Everybody has to share a bedroom – Mama and Papa, Carlos and Kiki, me and Nenny. (1.5)
The description of the Cordero family's new home contains clues about their economic status – the smallness of the house, not really big enough for a family of six, tells us that the family is poor.
Quote #2
You live there? The way she said it made me feel like nothing. There. I lived there. I nodded. (1.10)
Esperanza feels judged by the nun from her school. It's all in the intonation – the way she says the word "there" tells Esperanza that there's something wrong with her home.
Quote #3
That's when we move away. Got to. Then as if she forgot I just moved in, she says the neighborhood is getting bad. (5.3)
Cathy's statement about the deteriorating quality of the neighborhood feels like an insult to Esperanza, who's just moved in. But something about Cathy's explanation seems false – is her family really leaving for the reasons she claims? Or is she just being pretentious?