What is happening to Esperanza physically, socially and emotionally?

Poetic prose is also important in this chapter, as it manifests the strong bond and dependence Esperanza has upon her father, who up until now has remained a mysterious and reclusive character to analyze. "And I think if my own Papa died what would I do. I hold my Papa in my arms. I hold and hold and hold him." The repetition of "hold" shows that, despite her desire to escape, there are many aspects of home that Esperanza cannot yet live without. Though she makes plans for adulthood and matures, she is yet a child, and the awakening to the harsh reality of losing a parent makes her realize this.