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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 Ernie notice about Juan-Chon when he sees him on the train to the U.S?

2. Through whose story does Ernie explain the traditional way a boy learns his fathers work?

3. Between what ages do young men in Jalco ask for a girl's hand in marriage?

4. What is the most significant difference in daily chores that Ernie notes in Part Two, Section 1?

5. What are supporters of Don Porfirio called?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Ernie and Henriqueta's short experience in Tucson like?

2. What presence do Americans have in the barrio?

3. What are some effects of the flooding in Jalco?

4. What role does the forest play to the residents of Jalco?

5. How does Ernie view the train station in Part Two, Section 2?

6. What two things interrupt the train's travels to Tucson?

7. How does Ernie describe the Devil's Backbone?

8. Why do Josy and Gustavo leave Jalco in Part One, Section 9?

9. What differences between Americans and Mexicans does Ernie note in Part Three?

10. How does Ernie describe his new home in Mazatlan?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Please explain the role that religion plays in Ernie's life while in Mexico and compare that to the role that religion plays as a whole in Mexico. How are they similar? How are they different?

Essay Topic 2

Education is seen throughout the story. What are the various ways Ernie was educated? How does Ernie's education in Mexico differ from his education in the U.S.A.?

Essay Topic 3

Please describe the purpose of characterization in literature and how characterization is used in Barrio Boy. You may choose a specific instance or several small instances in the story where characterization is found in the story. Do you think the author is successful in his attempt at characterization for Ernie?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 749 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample