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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. With what do Carlos and Tony strike an eighteenth-century cup in the beginning of Chapter 19?

2. How old is Carlos in the anecdote with which chapter 1 opens?

3. What is the name of the co-ed school to which Carlos transfers?

4. Which philosopher does Carlos despise?

5. Who buys Carlos and Tony comic books each Wednesday?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Carlos's grandfather Amado die, and how old was he?

2. How do Louis XVI's staff members treat him and his family? Why?

3. Explain the gift exchange between Carlos and Aunt Lucía that is discussed in Chapter 18.

4. What happened to Carlos's great-great-grandmother Butrón-Múgicas?

5. In Chapter 20, how does Louis XVI deal with the man at the door?

6. Why does Louis XVI wish he could have afforded to be Pilate in the church murals?

7. What happens when the police stop Fernando's car in Chapter 26?

8. Explain Carlos's third proof for the existence of God, as related in Chapter 11.

9. Explain one of the lessons on hell that is described in Chapter 19.

10. What is the significance of the mamey pit to Carlos?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the idea of death in this book. What are the various moments that seem like a type of death? What are the moments that Carlos himself identifies as a death? Do you think death is a good symbol for those events, or do you think something else could more appropriately have symbolized them? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the irony inherent within the character El Loco as well as his role throughout the book. What does he symbolize? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the relationship between history and memory in this book. In your opinion, is this book more about Carlos's memories or more about history? Explain your thoughts, using as much detail from the text as you can remember.

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