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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. What does Mixtli do to the cranky young man in a loincloth he finds fishing for frogs?

2. What are the Spaniards interested i nbringing back to their ruler?

3. What happens to Beu Ribe that causes Mixtli to start to plan revenge?

4. Who crashes Mixtli's wedding?

5. Why does Motecuzoma become ruler?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Beu Ribe initially angry at Zyanya and Mixtli's engagement?

2. How are Mixtli's crystals and bone carvings received?

3. What does Snake Woman realize after she is sent with golden gifts to Cortes in Chololan?

4. According to legend, who induces the people from Aztlan to seek power by worshiping the war god and feeding him with human sacrifices?

5. What kinds of weapons does Cortes place on the roof of Motecuzoma's palace?

6. Why does Mixtli feel obligated to attend Motecuzoma's coronation?

7. What features does Mixtli like in the house Ahuitzotl builds for him?

8. Why is Mixtli deployed to kill Malintzin?

9. What do Siriame and Mixtli do after they take jipuri cacti?

10. What kind of boat does Mixtli use to follow the lava flow out to sea?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the flood that sweeps Zyanya away to her death, making sure to use specific evidence in the text as you discuss both the symbolism behind the flood and what its consequences (e.g., the death of Zyanya) mean within the larger context of the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the incestuous relationship between Mixtli and Tzitzi, its effect on the reader, and its function in the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Several characters in the story are married -- often more than once -- throughout the novel. Discuss the function of marriage within Aztec and what message, if any, Jennings is trying to convey about marriage itself through his characters.

(see the answer keys)

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