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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. In what level of his education does Ignacio meet Dr. Samuel Forrest?

2. What does Reina bring with her to the funeral home to place in her mother's coffin?

3. What type of bird does Soledad spot through the window as she is giving birth to Ignacio?

4. How old is the man Reina's daughter intends to marry?

5. During what decade does the Prologue take place?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Reina work her way into the expensive yacht club?

2. Why are Ignacio and Blana in the swamp at the opening of the novel?

3. Why does the marriage between Dulce and Abelardo eventually fall apart?

4. What is Gonzalo's theory about Herberto's attackers, and how does Constancia feel about Gonzalo's theory?

5. Why does Pepin bring a rooster into Reina's hospital room?

6. How does Silvestre react to seeing Gonzalo in the hospital?

7. How does Reina feel about Dulce having children?

8. In the second retelling of the final night in Zapatos Swamp, what does Ignacio remember about the moment when he shot his wife?

9. How does Constancia Cruz feel about miracles?

10. How does Constancia Cruz feel about her job at the cosmetics store?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The curse of the Aguero sisters is hinted at throughout the text of the novel. Explain how the curse first reared its head with Constancia and Reina's grandmother, and then explain how the curse carried on through the generations of Aguero women. Finally, explain how the curse was finally broken by the Aguero sisters.

Essay Topic 2

The mystery surrounding Reina's true father is one of the greatest mysteries in the novel. Explain why Reina does not believe Ignacio is her natural birth father, and what evidence shows up during the course of the novel to support or discount her claims. Then explain what conclusion Reina finally comes to about her patronage at the end of the novel, and why.

Essay Topic 3

Ignacio is presented in the novel as a man who takes advantage of others in order to further his own career. Explain how Ignacio charmed his way into a luxurious life, and ultimately, what the effects of a swindler's life had on his existence.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 916 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample