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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 many men have been killed according to information Valentin receives?

2. Why is the star of the show interrogated?

3. Who is encouraged initially to take a bigger helping of the dinner in this chapter's text?

4. What makes the couple beautiful to each other?

5. Who is the main character in the next story Molina tells?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the setting of the new movie Molina wants to share with Valentin?

2. What does Molina propose to the Warden in order to increase the chances of Valentin opening up to him?

3. By whom would Valentin really like the letter to be written?

4. Why does Molina feel he could die in his sleep now?

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

6. What does the man notice about the woman he has met during the festivities?

7. What happens when Molina wants to coddle Valentin again during this chapter?

8. What happens when Irena sees her husband in the office late at night with his assistant?

9. What does the maid confess when it seems obvious she knows more than she should about the zombie woman story?

10. What happens when Valentin has a bad attack of diarrhea?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

There is an obvious conflict between the personal relationships of the characters and the idea of political activism. It seems the two ideas are unable to coexist.

Part 1: What does the play seem to be saying about personal relationships in relationship to the political ideals of the characters?

Part 2: Does it seem relationships are bolstered or weakened by activism? Support your answer.

Part 3: In what ways does Valentin's political activism affect his life?

Essay Topic 3

While Molina is revealed to be a homosexual, it is interesting that he does not show any interest in fighting for his own rights.

Part 1: Why do you think Puig decided to make the character of Molina a homosexual? What might be the reasoning?

Part 2: Why doesn't Molina want to fight for his rights? What reasons might he have for staying quiet?

Part 3: Do you think Molina's view of activism for himself has changed at the end of the story? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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