Esperanza and Mama, their faces shiny with grime and perspiration, looked tired and wilted as they slumped with even the slight weight of their valises." Valise means "suitcase." Based on context, what do you think the other italicized words in this sentence might mean (perspiration, wilted, slumped)? Why might the author have chosen specifically to use the word "wilted" to describe Esperanza and her mother?

Answer and Explanation:

Based on context, what do you think the other italicized words in this sentence might mean (perspiration, wilted, slumped)?

Since the context makes it clear that Esperanza and her mother are tired due to carrying the valises, we can infer the meaning of the italicized words:

perspiration --> if their faces look shiny, it's because they are probably sweaty. Therefore, perspiration means sweat.

wilted --> if we are to take only the context into consideration, I'd say wilted is just another way to say tired or to refer to someone whose energy level is low.

slumped --> this is in connection to the weight of the valises. Even though they are not heavy, the women find them difficult to carry. Therefore, we can assume slumped refers to their postures, to the way their bodies look all curved up due to the weight.

Why might the author have chosen specifically to use the word "wilted" to describe Esperanza and her mother?

When we look up the meaning of wilted, we find: (of a plant, leaf, or flower) limp due to heat, loss of water, or disease; droop. The author probably chose this adjective to refer to Esperanza and her mother as a means to invoke the image of plants. Readers can think of them - the women - as delicate flowers in need of water, of care.