Why does Esperanza struggle to let the peasant girl hold her doll? How does mom respond?

Although the unfolding events scare and perplex Esperanza at times, the wise elders in her life help to guide her through these difficult times. While Esperanza and Mama are on the train, Esperanza does not want to share her doll with a poor child. Esperanza selfishly believes that she is right to refuse the poor little girl's request. However, Esperanza is surprised when Mama reprimands her for not sharing. Once again, Mama explains that life has changed for them and that they must behave differently now.

Esperanza looked at Mama in surprise. Why was she apologizing to these people? She and Mama shouldn’t even be sitting in this car.

Hortensia looked from one to the other and excused herself. “I think I will find Alfonso and Miguel and see if they bought tortillas at the station.

”Mama looked at Esperanza. “I don’t think it would have hurt to let her hold it for a few moments.”

“Mama, she is poor and dirty …” said Esperanza.

But Mama interrupted. “When you scorn these people, you scorn Miguel, Hortensia, and Alfonso. And you embarrass me and yourself. As difficult as it is to accept, our lives are different now.”