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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. Gertrudis runs away, _____________, in the field after the fire begins.

2. Tita's great aunt reportedly also cried a lot, even when she was in the ____________.

3. Pedro sees Tita bending over the ______________ and he is mesmerized.

4. The person who comes to gather Tita finds her naked and covered in ___________ and droppings.

5. What does Nacha tell Tita it is okay to do after Mama leaves?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Pedro do when he sees Tita sitting on the steps, covered in mole?

2. What does Rosaura ask Tita to help her with after the birth of her child?

3. What does the reader find out about Tita's great aunt, which reveals a similarity between the two women?

4. Why is Tita concerned about the idea of taking care of her mother and not having a family?

5. Why can't Tita be the daughter to marry Pedro, according to the rules of Mama Elena?

6. What are the guests' reactions after eating the wedding cake Tita has prepared?

7. What is Tita doing in the garden at the opening of this chapter instead of working in the kitchen?

8. What does Tita discover when she goes to tell Nacha about the conversation between her and Pedro?

9. What is the state of Tita when the doctor arrives to take her away per Mama's orders?

10. What do the rebels take from the ranch, which greatly upsets Tita as they were a part of her childhood?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

It's interesting to watch the story unfold as the reader sees a group of strong women dominating the narrative. This is much different from the typical stories most of us are told.

Part 1: Why do you think the women of the family in this story are so strong? What might the reason be?

Part 2: In what ways are the women of the story strong? How do each of the family members - Mama, Tita, Gertrudius, and Rosaura each demonstrate their strength?

Part 3: How might the story have been different had the characters not been as strong?

Essay Topic 2

The ending of the story seems to be confusing for those who read this book. After all, it seems like the characters die and nothing is left but ashes.

Part 1: How do you interpret the ending of the story?

Part 2: What are some other meanings the author might have had for the ending of the book?

Part 3: Does this ending seem suitable to Tita and Pedro? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Communication happens in a variety of ways in this story - sometimes through cooking, other times through words, etc.

Part 1: What is the importance of communication in this story? What does it do for the characters?

Part 2: Which type of communication do you think is the strongest form? Why?

Part 3: With all of the different forms of communication, what kinds of problems could result for the characters?

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