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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 Joaquin supposed to meet Eliza in secret for the first time?

2. When Joaquin's mother asks him where he's been, how does he respond?

3. What is Joaquin's job?

4. What is the profession of Jacob's new landlord?

5. Who does Eliza take with her while she looks for a way onto a ship?

Short Essay Questions

1. What items does Eliza take with her to California?

2. In what manner does Rose raise Eliza?

3. Why does Eliza feel comfortable in California?

4. Why do you think Rose is set on Eliza finding a husband even though she has never wanted that life for herself?

5. Why is Tao Chi'en treated decently by his first owner?

6. Does Tao Chi'en enjoy his work on the boat? Why or why not?

7. Why has Rose never been married?

8. Why does Tao Chi'en decide to help Eliza get on the boat to California?

9. Why does Agustin eventually allow Paulina to have a public wedding?

10. How does Eliza come to understand what Joaquin meant when he talked about freedom?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Tao Chi'en is mentioned as far back as the first chapter, but he is not included in the plot until the eighth chapter. What reason would Allende have for mentioning his name several times in the narrative early on? Is it surprising when he is officially introduced?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast the prostitutes that travel with Joe Bonecrusher with the singsong girls. What is the main difference in their situations? What is the significance of setting up this obvious juxtaposition in the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Foreshadowing is used throughout the novel. Think of two instances of foreshadowing and explain their significance. Do the instances help you form a picture in your mind about what happens to the characters after the novel ends?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 787 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample