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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 Anita realize about their Mami when they are waiting for Papi?

2. What does Anita want in the event she is taken away?

3. What is revealed in Mr. Washburn's car when the accident occurs?

4. Who does Anita think about when her brother asks about his girlfriend?

5. Where do the children now go for school lessons?

Short Essay Questions

1. What message from Chucha does Tia Mari give Anita ?

2. How does Chucha help Anita and what does Chucha tell her?

3. What does Papi say he wants for his children?

4. What does Anita learn about Chucha?

5. What happens when Mr. Washburn is driving in traffic?

6. How does Mrs. Mancini's distrust of people turn out to be fortuitous?

7. What do Mami and Anita do in hiding?

8. Who are arrested in town and why?

9. How do Anita and Mami communicate with Mundo?

10. What does Papi and the Washburns decide to do about Lucinda?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think "Before We Were Free" is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? If not, can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

Essay Topic 2

Over the course of "Before We Were Free," Anita grows as a person in both complexity and understanding. Discuss the following:

1. Define Bildungsroman or "Coming of Age," and give several examples from literature you have read.

2. Trace and analyze the character of Anita as she changes from a more carefree, innocent girl to a wiser, young woman. What are the significant events that change Anita?

3. After thoroughly analyzing Anita's growth throughout "Before We Were Free," do you think "Before We Were Free" could be considered Anita's coming-of-age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other characters in "Before We Were Free" who go through a coming-of-age experience? If yes, who and why do you think so?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which three secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable? Why or why not? If yes, which ones?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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