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

2. What does Gerardo say his wife fails to do?

3. What was Paulina studying in college?

4. What does Roberto say is the real reason he stopped back at Gerardo's home?

5. What happens to Gerardo's car?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens after Paulina and Gerardo have had dinner the night he caught a ride home?

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

3. Where does the last Scene open?

4. Why does Gerardo plead with Roberto to confess?

5. What does Paulina do after she locks her husband in their room?

6. What do Gerardo and Paulina do when Schubert's Death and the Maiden begins?

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

8. What does Paulina say when Gerardo asks if she wants him to leave her?

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

10. What does Roberto ask about concerning the car?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Gerardo looks at Paulina, who does not return the look, takes her hand and looks forward.

1. What do you think this behavior of Gerardo means?

2. What might be symbolically significant that Gerardo is looking forward and Paulina is looking at Roberto?

3. Does this part of the last scene seem to imply to you that Paulina still has not healed? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Paulina is frightened, even in her own home. She has survived severe torture and prison. This has affected her greatly.

1. Do you think her survival is due more to her mental toughness or physical toughness? Why?

2. What qualities do you think would be necessary for someone to survive what Paulina has been through?

3. Paulina is suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. What do you think that means?

(see the answer keys)

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