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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. Where is this story set?

2. Where are the waterfalls that are depicted on a poster?

3. Who tries to buy Chúcaro?

4. How is a spit used by gauchos?

5. What is narrated in Chapter 7 concerning the gauchos?

Short Essay Questions

1. Briefly describe Pedro's father.

2. Where is the Vaquero in Chapter 12, and what does he tell the office secretary?

3. What does Maria think about Juan and his red kerchief?

4. What does the narrator say about the average estanciero and about Señor Muñez in particular?

5. What happens after Armando's bola strikes Chúcaro?

6. What is the result of Juan's being fired?

7. What does Pedro spy in the brush in Chapter 1?

8. Who comes to see Chúcaro?

9. What does the Vaquero suggest about the situation with Chúcaro?

10. What is said about Armando being spoiled and how is that demonstrated when Armando greets the mayordomo?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Chucaro and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Chucaro is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Muñez did not realize that his son Armando was terrible spoiled. In fact, he had paid little attention to his son. Armando's mother was worn out of taking care of him, so she focused on helping others while she let Armando's tutors tend to him.

1. Discuss what you see are the failings in a father who does not realize his son is spoiled. Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

2. What are some of the effects that might be seen in Armando as a person from his father ignoring him. Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

3. Discuss the ways in which Pedro, who has Juan, a guardian who pays a great deal of attention to him, has a better life than Armando. Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in Chucaro. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of courage in Chucaro. Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of power in Chucaro. Consider the power of the wealthy and the power that the poor workers have.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 988 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample