View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is knocking at the door?

2. What is Paulina's general demeanor during this scene?

3. Where is Paulina's mother going?

4. What does Gerardo's wife ask him?

5. What is the name of the tape Paulina has in her pocket?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Paulina do before she leaves the house?

2. How is Gerardo acting when he comes in the house?

3. What does Paulina tell Gerardo about Roberto and what does he say?

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

5. What does the audience hear from the room where Paulina went?

6. Why does Paulina tell Roberto she is going to kill him even though he has confessed?

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

8. What do Gerardo and Paulina appear not to notice while listening to the concert?

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

10. What does Gerardo do when Roberto says Gerardo didn't protect his wife from rape?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Act 1, Scene 3, is an extremely brief scene without dialog, written all in stage directions. The stage is darker still, when a cloud has passed over the moon.

1. Why do you think a writer would have a scene without dialog? Use examples to support your answer.

2. What symbolism do you see in the darkness of the stage? Use examples from the play to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

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 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)

This section contains 805 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample