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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. Who comforts Antonio when he awakes from his dream of his mother crying for the return of her sons.

2. What is the significance of the chipped plaster on the Virgin's statue?

3. What does Antonio wear on his first day of school?

4. What does Cico tell Tony never to do in Chapter 11?

5. Where does the Marez family go every autumn?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the events which occurred when it was announced the war was over.

2. Who does Antonio meet before entering Mass?

3. Why are the Marez brothers anxious to leave their family?

4. How did Jason confuse Antonio about making magic?

5. Describe the tale of the golden carp.

6. Describe the adventure Cico and Antonio set out for in Chapter 11.

7. Describe Antonio's dilemma as he grows up in Chapter 4.

8. What is the significance of Ultima's blessing before Antonio leaves for school?

9. What is the significance of Ash Wednesday and Lent to Catholics?

10. Describe the events which occurred at Tellez's ranch in Aqua Negra.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Antonio and Ultima are two of the most influential characters in Bless Me Ultima and have a major impact on the rest of the characters in the story.

Part 1) Compare and contrast the characters of Antonio and Ultima. How are they the same? How are they different?

Part 2) Considering the differences between Antonio and Ultima, what are other characters or images which are also different in the novel?

Part 3) Considering the similarities between Antonio and Ultima, cite examples from the book that are metaphors for something else.

Essay Topic 2

Maria, Antonio's mother, is a deeply pious woman raised in a family with a strong attachment to the land. Ultima is la curandera who is blessed with supernatural healing powers. Which of these two women has a stronger relationship with Tony? How do these women compliment each other? How do these two women play conflicting roles for Antonio?

Essay Topic 3

As the reader watches Antonio mature, he undergoes several initiation rites. Explain what some of these initiation rites are in the novel. What is the most crucial test he must pass? Why is this test important?

(see the answer keys)

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