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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. What item did the Witch always replace with a shiny dress and a wig during one of her infamous parties?

2. How old was Brando when his mother first became convinced that he was possessed by a demon?

3. Which character tortured Brando in order to gain information about the Witch's alleged treasure?

4. For what length of time has Chabela been away from home by the time Chapter IV opens?

5. Chapter IV presents events from the perspective of which character?

Short Essay Questions

1. What lie did Chabela tell the Witch in order to convince her to help Norma abort her child?

2. What methods did Rigorito and his men use to draw the truth out of Brando in the wake of his arrest?

3. How does Melchor utilize sensory details in order to portray Norma's feelings about childbirth?

4. In what way does the theme of guilt and responsibility enter the narrative within Chapter V?

5. What message does Melchor send about the practice of victim-blaming in Chapter V and how does she send it?

6. What is the significance of salsa dancing, as portrayed in Chapter IV?

7. Name three elements that fuel Brando's belief that the Witch deserved to die.

8. In what way does Melchor use repetition in order to create a particular mood within Chapter VI?

9. Discuss a moment when Melchor opens a chapter with a simile in order to create a vivid picture of the chapter's setting.

10. What did the kiss symbolize between Norma and Pepe the first time it occurred and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

All of the characters in the novel have specific yet varied relationships with money. Examine the theme of money in the text and how it affects the various characters.

Essay Topic 2

What message does Melchor send within the pages of Hurricane Season concerning the link between persecution and fear?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Melchor’s use of Aristotle's appeals within the text of Hurricane Season. How does Melchor use each of the three appeals to persuade the reader to feel certain emotions over the course of the work, to understand particular arguments being made, and to provide a clear picture of the community at the center of the novel, for example?

(see the answer keys)

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