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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 is the main character in the next story Molina tells?

2. Who helps to take care of the house owner?

3. To what is Valentin afraid he could become addicted?

4. Who tries to avoid the pleasures of the flesh and reveals this fact after dining?

5. What kind of show is being performed in the next portion of the movie?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Molina in the meeting at the beginning of the chapter?

2. What happens to the race car driver in the beginning of the new story Molina starts?

3. What happens to the first wife of the man in the story?

4. What does Valentin have to say about being a man?

5. Who is the author of the letter Valentin receives?

6. What happens to the chorus girl who tells Leni she is pregnant?

7. Who does Molina meet with at the beginning of the chapter?

8. Why does the psychiatrist try to come on to Irena in the middle of a session?

9. What happens just as Leni is about to hand over information about her German boyfriend?

10. What does the zombie woman do to the husband?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The writing style of Puig allows readers a chance to fill in the blanks, using their own imagination. This has been seen as a weak writing style, but also a powerful writing style by critics.

Part 1: What does the lack of every detail do for the story Puig is trying to tell?

Part 2: Would the story's power be lessened by more narrative and detail? Why or why not?

Part 3: Do you think it matters if the blanks you fill in with your imagination are different from the blanks another reader might fill in? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

At times, the reader does not know if the writing and the narration is true or a vision from the character. This fantasy-like tone makes the story one that may not be as complete as it seems.

Part 1: Cite two examples in which the narration of the story becomes unclear as to whether it is real or if it is just a dream/vision.

Part 2: What do these examples seem to tell us about the idea of reality and fantasy?

Part 3: If these examples are not based in reality, does this weaken the story? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

In the end, it seems Molina and Valentin switch their original roles in order to become better men for each other.

Part 1: Describe the character of Molina at the beginning of the story. What does he believe in?

Part 2: Describe the character of Valentin at the beginning of the story. What does he believe in?

Part 3: What does Molina believe in the end of the story? What does Valentin do at the end of the story? How have they both changed?

(see the answer keys)

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