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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Gertrudis' new position in her life?

2. When Tita was a child, what was her biggest worry about the holiday she is celebrating?

3. Pedro accuses Tita of having second thoughts about him because he is now a _____________.

4. What does Rosaura ask Tita for help with when she enters the kitchen?

5. Where does the child like to sleep when Tita is cooking?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Magical realism is one of the literary decides the author uses in this story, often with beautiful results in the narrative.

Part 1: Define the idea of magical realism.

Part 2: Why do you think the author chooses magical realism over typical storytelling?

Part 3: How does magical realism strengthen the story? How does it weaken it?

Essay Topic 2

John's position as a doctor seems to not only be his title in the story, but also his role in Tita's life.

Part 1: Why does John decide that he wants to be with Tita?

Part 2: Why does John stand back when Tita decides she wants to be with Pedro?

Part 3: Do you think Tita should have married John? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

When Tita has cried into the wedding cake, her tears seem to have a magical effect on the guests, causing them to feel their lost loves and to become violently ill.

Part 1: Do you think the sickness described in this particular scene could have actually happened? Why or why not?

Part 2: If the author is simply using magical realism to tell the story, why would they have done so?

Part 3: Does the fact that this scene does not seem possible affect its importance to the story or to the reader?

(see the answer keys)

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