Throughout the novel "Esperanza Rising" by Pam Munoz Ryan, the author employs a variety of "big metaphors" to communicate important themes and ideas. These metaphors include references to nature, growth, and transformation, and they play a significant role in the development of the story. For example, the metaphor of the phoenix is used to symbolize the idea of rebirth and renewal. The phoenix appears early in the novel as Esperanza's father tells her the story of how the bird is reborn from its ashes. This metaphor is used again in the final chapters of the novel to symbolize Esperanza's own transformation and her ability to rise above adversity.
Another key metaphor in the novel is the garden. Throughout the story, the garden represents the idea of growth and the importance of nurturing relationships and connections. In the last two chapters of the novel, the garden is used again to show how Esperanza has learned to cultivate her own happiness and create a sense of home wherever she goes. As she tends to the garden at her new home in the United States, she reflects on the lessons she has learned and the connections she has made.
Overall, the use of these "big metaphors" helps to create a cohesive and impactful narrative in "Esperanza Rising." The repetition of these metaphors in the final chapters of the novel helps to tie the story together and emphasize its key themes and ideas.