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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does the new movie story take place?

2. The main character of the American film story Molina then begins to tell is ___________.

3. Who is going to be followed?

4. How long has it been since Valentin has had food?

5. What kind of job does the reporter get when he realizes he cannot get any other job?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The relationship between a man and a man is somewhat of a taboo in today's society, even without the idea of homosexuality. But its relevance to the story is not in its sexual tone, but in the way the men begin to learn more about each other and take care of each other.

Part 1: Do you think Valentin cares that Molina is a homosexual in the beginning? Why or why not?

Part 2: How do you think Valentin explains the sexual relationship between himself and Molina? Is he a homosexual as well?

Part 3: What does the sexual relationship that develops seem to say about relationships in general? Do circumstances create relationships more than feelings do? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The format of this story is much different from other stories and novels. From the lack of description and narrative to the different punctuation for the dialogue, it seems the reader has to work harder in order to grasp the importance of each scene.

Part 1: Why do you think Puig decided to use the dialogue format he did?

Part 2: Why might Puig have decided to leave out the traditional narrative sections as one might see in other books?

Part 3: How did the new structure affect the way you read the book? In what ways was reading this book more challenging? Less challenging?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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