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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. Who does Roberto mention as being gone at the moment?

2. Where does Paulina go after rummaging through the drawer?

3. What happens to Gerardo's car?

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

5. Why is the stage lighting the way it was?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. When and under what circumstances did Paulina meet Dr. Miranda?

3. What does Paulina say when Gerardo talks about going to the police?

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

5. What is Gerard doing with Paulina on the patio at the beginning of Act 3, Scene 1, that she had started before and what interrupted them before?

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

7. What does Gerardo say Paulina remembers about her torture and how does Roberto respond?

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

9. What does Paulina get when she comes on the stage in Scene 3?

10. What does Paulina finally say is the main thing she wants from Roberto?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

This is another powerful scene where no dialogue, or at least no meaningful dialogue, is spoken.

1. What do you think is meant by this statement? Use examples from the play to support your answer.

2. Do you think that some emotions can be better portrayed with watching behavior rather than with words? Why or why not?

3. If you were to watch some students in your school without being able to hear their words, would you have a good idea of what they might be saying? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Roberto asserts that Gerardo's wife needs psychiatric treatment. Gerardo assures him that he is her treatment.

1. Based on what you've seen thus far of Paulina's actions, do you think she needs psychiatric treatment? Why or why not?

2. Do you think needs psychiatric treatment would be beneficial to anyone who has undergone torture? Why or why not?

3. Do you think a husband should be trying to act as his wife's psychiatrist? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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