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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. At what time of day do Ignacio and Blanca stop to rest in their search?

2. How many volumes of books does Reina keep in her apartment?

3. What does the bird drop on the crowds of people celebrating in the streets of Cuba?

4. Whose arrival are the people of Cuba celebrating on the day Ignacio is born?

5. Who does Constancia think is responsible for the attack on Herberto?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Dulce when she is fired from her job and becomes homeless?

2. What happens when Herberto decides to go fishing in Biscayne Bay?

3. What question does Dr. Samuel Forrest ask Ignacio during his job interview that ultimately earns him the job?

4. Why is Renaldo Aguero well respected in his community?

5. How does Constancia treat Herberto's dead body?

6. How does Reina feel about her relationship with Russ after returning from the journey with her sister?

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

8. What happens when Reina attempts to move the last water pump in La Cobre?

9. Who is Evaristo Leal, and why does he show up on Constancia's doorstep?

10. Why does Constancia travel door-to-door after Herberto goes missing?

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

After their mother's death, Constancia and Reina grew apart from one another as both had different views of their mother. Compare/contrast the childhood of each of the sisters and explain what factors led to the two sisters having a strained and distant relationship into their adulthood.

Essay Topic 3

The relationship between the Aguero sisters, Constancia and Reina, took many curves and changes throughout the text of the novel. Create a time line of events that led to the reunification of the two sisters and then explain how the puzzle they solved regarding their family history could only have been solved if the two sisters worked together.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 884 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample