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

Short Answer Questions

1. What are some of the things Paulina mentions that she endured during torture?

2. Where is Paulina looking when the stage goes dark?

3. How many times does Gerardo say he and the woman had sex?

4. What is Roberto's situation?

5. What is Gerardo going to tell Paulina about Roberto?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

The fact that this scene is set just before dawn could be symbolic of the dawn of realization that Roberto is not exempt from retaliation for his past deeds.

1. Why do you think the dawn could symbolize justice for Roberto?

2. At this point in the play Paulina is convinced Roberto is guilty, though Gerardo is not. As a reader do you believe Paulina's assertion? Why or why not?

3. If dawn might symbolize justice, could it also symbolize bringing the past to light? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

We are left wondering whether she would actually shoot him at the end of Act 2, Scene 1. Or would Gerardo forget something in the house and return to stop her? We are then forced to literally look at ourselves and those around us. What would each of us do in the same situation? Would we shoot, or let him live the rest of his days with his terrible secret?

1. Do you think you would do what Paulina is doing in her circumstances? Why or why not?

2. Do you think living with what he has done is worse punishment than killing him? Why or why not?

3. If you were a police officer called to the scene of Paulina killing Roberto, after listening to the confession, what would you do? Why?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 437 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample