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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Constancia think happens to Herberto during the Cuban revolution?

2. Whose photograph does Constancia decide to print on all her cosmetics bottles?

3. What does Reina claim their mother kept hidden in a pouch around her neck?

4. Which of Ignacio's family members is diagnosed with cancer while Ignacio is in college?

5. What is Gonzalo doing when Silvestre arrives at the hospital?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The bone that Blanca wore around her neck when Reina was a small child is of particular importance to her. Explain the way that Blanca wore the bone and what impact it had on Reina as a child. Then, explain what happened to the bone after Blanca died, and how it was eventually returned to its rightful owner.

Essay Topic 2

Reina's life in Cuba was heavily influenced by the presence of her deceased parents. Describe a day in Reina's life while she was living in Cuba and explain how the memory of her parents haunted every aspect of her life.

Essay Topic 3

Family history haunting you is one of the strongest themes in the novel, and is perhaps best exemplified by the relationship between Silvestre and his father, Gonzalo. Explain the relationship Silvestre had with his father and how the acts that took place on Gonzalo's deathbed symbolize Silvestre's fear of family history.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 274 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample