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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. How does Bella react when she sees Ramon show up at the party she is attending?

2. How does the governmental organization Ramon works for react to his actions toward Isabella at the concert?

3. What is Ramon's secretary's name?

4. At whose concert does Ramon meet Isabella for the first time?

5. What is Nicky doing in the first photo Bella receives of him?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Bella leaves Nicky alone to spend a romantic weekend with Ramon in Paris?

2. How does Ramon treat Bella after they made love for the first time?

3. How does Centaine feel about the lives her grandchildren have chosen for themselves?

4. Why does Michael take a short trip to Botswana, and what does he do there?

5. What article does Michael write for Victoria Gama, and what is his emotional reaction to this cause?

6. How does Bella separate herself from her family once she becomes pregnant?

7. What happens at the Mick Jagger concert that could have harmed Isabella?

8. What shocking situation does Bella walk in on when Ramon frantically phones for her to come meet him at his apartment?

9. Why doesn't Bella tell Michael the truth about what happened to baby Nicky?

10. How does Bella become pregnant, and what is her reaction to the news?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Spain becomes an important setting in the lies that Ramon weaves around Bella. First, describe the setting of Spain as Bella remembers it during her many visits to the country. Then, explain how Ramon uses the setting of Spain to help fill in the holes in his lies. What work does Bella believe Ramon does in Spain? What details does Ramon weave into his daily life with Bella to help make his Spanish lies more believable? How does the Spanish language affect the relationship between Ramon and his wife?

Essay Topic 2

Various members of the Malaga community play intricate roles in Ramon's exit from the city and from Bella's life. First, describe the character of Adra. What role does she play in Bella's life while they are living together? Then, explain how Adra's role changes once Ramon decides that he is going to leave town. With whom do Adra's loyalties lie, and how does she express those loyalties? Then, choose at least one other member from the Malagian community and explained how they either helped or hindered Bella in her pursuit to find her missing son.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel, Ramon participates in various sporting events. This is a hobby that is important to understanding psychological aspects of his character. Choose two different sporting events that Ramon participates in throughout the novel. Why are these sports important to him? Then, explain how these sports can be seen as either a symbol or parallel element to his greatest game which is seducing Bella. How does Ramon's sportsmanship give the reader a deeper understanding of his skills at seduction?

(see the answer keys)

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