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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 is Paulina holding when the audience first sees her in the scene?

2. What does Gerardo ask of Paulina after she tells him that Roberto is the man who tortured her?

3. Why is Gerardo apologetic?

4. What does Paulina "slyly" mention?

5. One is one explanation for Paulina's actions to Roberto?

Short Essay Questions

1. What music does Paulina play and what does she say to Roberto about the music?

2. What does Gerardo and Paulina talk about when they go outside?

3. What do Gerardo and Paulina do when the music ends?

4. What is the purpose of the commission the government is forming?

5. What does Gerardo tell Roberto?

6. What does Gerardo first do when he gets home?

7. What does Paulina do when she hears a car?

8. What does the audience see after Paulina leaves the house?

9. Why does Gerardo plead with Roberto to confess?

10. What does Paulina tell Roberto about her and Gerardo?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Paulina finally speaks, and her first monologue presents the full force of her hatred for the man calling himself Roberto Miranda.

1. Do you believe if someone carries hatred inside it is harmful to that person? Why or why not?

2. There have been persons in history who have been done great wrong and forgiven their oppressors. Do you think you could do that? Why or why not?

3. In what ways do you think Paulina's hatred could blind her to the possibility that Roberto is not the man who tortured her?

Essay Topic 2

The tension immediately picks up when Paulina hears a car, looks out the window and grabs for a gun.

1. What does Paulina's actions in the beginning of the play tell the audience? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

2. What would you do in your home if you felt afraid?

3. Some say that fear produces aggression, such as Paulina with the gun. Do you think this is true? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Gerardo continues his plea to indulge Paulina, as she is one of many who feel they need vengeance for past wrongs.

1. Do you think this means that Gerardo has no desire for vengeance? Why or why not?

2. Vengeance can be a two edged sword. What do you think is meant by this in view of Paulina's behavior?

3. Do you think vengeance can restore peace of mind? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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