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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where is the beach in the beginning of "Sirocco" located?

2. What is Manuel's favorite way of arousing himself?

3. What is Lina's mood whenever the narrator's lovers come to visit?

4. Despite her proclivities, what does Lina decry as disgusting?

5. What is Harry's occupation?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Louis walk to the beach in "The Woman on the Dunes"?

2. For what reasons does Edna begin to find her self-confidence again after becoming estranged from Harry?

3. Describe Robert and Dorothy's relationship from the time to they meet until the time they first make love.

4. How does Louis "court" the woman in the ocean before he tries to make love to her?

5. How does Michel seduce Lina?

6. Describe Dorothy and Edna in "Two Sisters."

7. Why does the Viking woman leave her husband and what results from it?

8. In what ways does Lina try to seduce the narrator?

9. Why does Edna marry Harry and how does she grow apart from him?

10. What are the only ways Manuel can become aroused?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the conflicting gender dynamics of these stories in the following format:

Part 1) Virgins and their desire to have a lover.

Part 2) The violence and pushiness of certain men (such as Rango and Pierre).

Part 3) Lina.

Part 4) The characters' abilities to take control of their own sex lives.

Part 5) Pleasure at the expense of others.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the use of innocence in "Little Birds" in the following format:

Part 1) The schoolgirls (and unsuspecting ladies) in "Little Birds."

Part 2) Maria in "the Maja."

Part 3) The narrator in "a Model."

Part 4) Jeannette in "Runaway."

Develop a clear thesis statement and apply it to these characters. Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

In what ways is innocence and curiosity seen as a sexually attractive trait in some of these stories? Compose an essay on this topic and develop a clear thesis statement. Discuss the characters who have these traits, as well as the characters who become attracted to them, and the outcomes of their relationships. Certain stories that should definitely be focused on (but not exclusively) include "Little Birds" and "Runaway." Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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