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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. Why is Horacio terrified in his dream in Chapter 132?

2. In Chapter 57, what does Horacio say he is confused about?

3. What nickname does Horacio give Pola in Chapter 92?

4. Which character gets trapped between two windows in Chapter 41?

5. In Chapter 31, what is the only thing that Horacio says he wants?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Traveler's codependency with Horacio manifest itself in this section?

2. What indiscretion does Horacio commit in Chapter 54?

3. What is revealed in the tape recording of Chapter 47?

4. Professionally, what changes for Traveler, Horacio and Talita in this section?

5. What eerie, somewhat mystical, harbinger comes to Pola in Chapter 64?

6. Who is Pola, and how does she know Horacio?

7. What does Horacio do before coming to Buenos Aires?

8. Describe Horacio's dream in Chapter 100.

9. Why are Etienne and Horacio shocked when they get to the old writers room in Chapter in 154?

10. What do Ronald and Etienne discuss in Chapter 142?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

HOPSCOTCH takes place in two large but intensely disparate cities: Paris and Buenos Aires. These two settings, and Horacio's attitude toward them, create two divergent tones within the novel. Write an essay about these two settings:

Part 1) What observations about the intellectual life in Paris does Horacio make at the beginning of the novel? How does this observation typify his attitude toward it as a setting? Write a paragraph noting several characters, locations and groups that represent the Paris of the novel.

Part 2) How is Buenos Aires markedly different from Paris in HOPSCOTCH? What is the tone of this setting, based upon the weather, the social gatherings, and the way in which Horacio must live in both? How is Buenos Aires more whimsical?

Part 3) Noting the differences between Paris and Buenos Aires above, write a summation paragraph discussing how the transition between the two locations indicates a shift in Horacio. What is the nature of this shift, and how does it affect him emotionally?

Essay Topic 2

Horacio Oliveira is a callous, self-involved, deeply-jealous individual. He is, however, the novel's protagonist, and Cortazar reveals both his flaws and virtues through a series of foils. Write an essay about three of these foils. How does Horacio know each of them? What is the nature of the conflict that exists between him and each foil? What does this conflict reveal about both Horacio and the foil?

Part 1) La Maga

Part 2) Ossip Gregorovius

Part 3) Manolo Traveler

Essay Topic 3

Much of the conflict in Cortazar's novel centers around Horacio's relationships with various women. These relationships are tinted with contention, passion, and eventual tragedy. Write an essay about three such involvements:

Part 1) How is Horacio's involvement with La Maga the central relationship of the novel? What does La Maga represent that is so at odd with Horacio's worldview, and how does this conflict manifest itself? Discuss the tragedy that occurs in Book 1 that drives the two apart irrevocably.

Part 2) What is the nature of Horacio's affair with Pola? What aspects of her personality and background make her a compelling alternative to La Maga? Write an essay about their brief affair and the tragedy that ends it.

Part 3) Why does Horacio kiss Talita at the end of the novel? Has there been any indication that he is attracted to her heretofore? Write an essay about Horacio's relationship with Talita and how it reflects a slow and subtle disassociation with reality. What is the fallout of the kiss?

(see the answer keys)

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