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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. When she first meets the Abbess, how does Sierva behave?

2. At the end of chapter four, what does Sierva refuse to do?

3. What natural event opens chapter four?

4. What information does Dr. Abrenuncio impart to Cayetano?

5. In the Governor's dinner for the Viceroy, what is the entertainment?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the convent.

2. What is Father Cayetano's dream in chapter three?

3. What is significant about the book Cayetano speaks of to Dr. Abrenuncio?

4. How does the Abbess treat Sierva in Cayetano's presence?

5. How is the Viceroy introduced to Sierva and why?

6. What memory is brought back for Cayetano while writing love poems in Chapter 4?

7. How does Cayetano gain Sierva's trust?

8. Why does Bernarda run away from the mansion in Chapter 4?

9. How does Martina help Sierva?

10. Describe the centuries-old conflict between the convent and the Bishop.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Citing specific examples from the text, discuss the author's use of magic realism in this novel. In what ways does the author make this story true to life? In what ways is this story fantastical? (Please note that the term "fantastical" encompasses more than just the miracle of Sierva's hair growing after death and is meant as something that likely could not happen in real life).

Essay Topic 2

Citing specific examples from the text and including a strong thesis statement, discuss the physical intimacy of Cayetano's relationship to Sierva, including the following:

- His fascination with her before their first meeting.

- Sierva's relationship to the Virgin Mary.

- Cayetano's self-flagellation.

- Cayetano's insistence that the girl remain a virgin until their marriage.

Essay Topic 3

What is significant about "The Four Books of Amadis of Gaul?" Why is this book banned by the church and confiscated from Cayetano in his youth? How does this relate to Dr. Abrenuncio and, especially, Father Cayetano? Do the classic literary connections "The Four Books of Amadis of Gaul" mirror any changes that happen to the doctor and the priest? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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