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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. "Yes, but in this case, the two of us are locked up here, so there is no _______, no fight to win, you follow me?"

2. In what direction does the girl decide to go?

3. What is Valentin embarrassed for Molina to see?

4. What does Molina want to suggest to Valentin to help get him to open up?

5. What does the woman say she is not, when the man tries to get her to go away with him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Molina and Valentin could not be more different, it seems. These two cell mates are locked up with each other for six months, so they will have no other choice but to get to know each other quite well.

Part 1: How are Molina and Valentin similar?

Part 2: How are Molina and Valentin dissimilar?

Part 3: If Molina and Valentin met each other on the street, would they be able to talk as they do in this story? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The format of this story is much different from other stories and novels. From the lack of description and narrative to the different punctuation for the dialogue, it seems the reader has to work harder in order to grasp the importance of each scene.

Part 1: Why do you think Puig decided to use the dialogue format he did?

Part 2: Why might Puig have decided to leave out the traditional narrative sections as one might see in other books?

Part 3: How did the new structure affect the way you read the book? In what ways was reading this book more challenging? Less challenging?

Essay Topic 3

While Molina seems to be a person who is emotional and quite reactive to stress, at the same time, the reader gets the feeling that he may be manipulating the Warden.

Part 1: What makes the reader think Molina is possibly manipulating the Warden?

Part 2: Do you think Molina is trying to help the Warden or help himself? Why do you answer the way you do?

Part 3: Does Molina seem capable of manipulation? Cite examples to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 400 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample