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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 advice is Soledad given now that she is turning into a young lady?

2. One of Inocencio's friends convinces the Grandmother and Inocencio that _______________ is the place to be.

3. Other than Celaya, who is Inocencio's other daughter?

4. Who took Soledad's place in Inocencio's heart?

5. In what year did the Mexican revolution begin?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Narciso's relationship with Soledad when they begin having sex?

2. Why does Celaya want to leave school and what is her father's response to her idea?

3. What is the Grandmother's demeanor in Chicago and why does she not buy her own home?

4. Describe Celaya's encounter with the Grandmother's ghost in Inocencio's hospital room.

5. What advice does Narciso's father give him regarding Soledad?

6. What lie did Narciso tell about his three missing ribs and what is the truth of the story?

7. What role does storytelling play in the family's life?

8. How does Fina feel about her mother, Soledad, after her father dies?

9. Describe the chaos of the Mexican Revolution.

10. What major purchase does Inocencio make without consulting Zoila and how does she react when she learns about it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the overall ethnic culture for the book. What influences does ethnicity have on Cisneros' novel? What is the time period of the story? How important is the time period to the attitudes and issues reflected in the work?

Essay Topic 2

Project into the future ten years and write a brief synopsis for Celaya's life. Be sure to include emotional states as well as physical characteristics, geographic locations, work, hobbies, socialization, etc.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the concept of loneliness as it exhibits in the book. Why would Hispanics have lonely lives in America? Explain the loneliness and the methods and attempts to overcome it.

(see the answer keys)

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