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

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Silvestre kill his father?

2. What does the man in the yacht who awakens Reina on the river throw to her?

3. How many animals does Blanca's father single-handedly kill after the stampede kills his wife?

4. After moving to Miami, what does Reina start a business restoring?

5. Where does Dulce attempt to live after she becomes homeless?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Constancia has an obsession with the need to stay youthful. Explain how youth becomes one of the driving forces in Constancia's life. Then, use Constancia's childhood at the pig farm to rationalize her desperate need to stay young and beautiful. Does she accomplish this in her lifetime? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 261 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample