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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. Why hasn't Sofi felt comfortable leaving the house over the previous twenty years?

2. What does Caridad do to earn a living?

3. What illness is La Loca diagnosed with in the hospital in Albuquerque?

4. Where does Sofi tell Domingo to take her after he asks for her forgiveness?

5. In New Mexico, what does being a santero mean?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the purpose of M.O.M.A.S.?

2. Why is Sofi raising four daughters alone? What role does the girls' father play in Chapter 1?

3. Explain what eventually kills Fe.

4. Domingo is described as a flawed individual. What are some specific things Domingo does to indicate this is true?

5. Why do Fe and Casimiro decide to have a small wedding?

6. How is Caridad different after she returns from being missing?

7. Describe the differences between the four daughters. What makes each of them unique?

8. Describe La Loca's medical problems and the procedure Doctor Tolentino performs on Loca.

9. How does the author use humor in Chapter 1?

10. What is Domingo's response to Sofi's successful cooperative?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Kyra and América are two women in the same town, yet are very different in numerous ways. Compare and contrast the two female characters by using specific examples from Boyle's book.

Essay Topic 2

The church plays a very significant role in the lives of Castillo's characters, even if most of the story does not refer directly to organized religion. What distinction do you think Castillo would make between religion and spirituality? Do you think she would claim that one is superior over the other? What role does religion play in the lives of Sofi and her daughters, as opposed to spirituality?

Essay Topic 3

How is Castillo's story ultimately resolved? Do you think the plot was adequately resolved? In your opinion, what could have been added (or removed) to make it more meaningful?

(see the answer keys)

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