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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. Which girl falls in line with Manuel's plan when he leaves the bathroom door open during urination?

2. Despite having broken through her frigidness with Donald, what does Dorothy discover about her love life with Robert?

3. How many girls promise to come see Manuel the day after they meet him?

4. What does Lina appear to hate more than anything?

5. What are Edna's career aspirations?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why will Maria never allow her husband to see her nude and rarely poses for him?

2. Describe the two mystery women in "Sirocco."

3. Describe Dorothy and Edna in "Two Sisters."

4. What happens have Lina, Michel, and the narrator sleep together?

5. What are the differing opinions given on why Lina behaves the way she does with the narrator?

6. Describe the scene with the four girls in Manuel's apartment on their second visit.

7. How does Michel seduce Lina?

8. Why does Louis walk to the beach in "The Woman on the Dunes"?

9. For what reasons does Edna begin to find her self-confidence again after becoming estranged from Harry?

10. What happens to the woman in the crowd while awaiting the Russian execution?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What role does the author's language play in the eroticism and sensuality of this book? How does the phrasing and format both increase the sensuality while keeping the reader at a distance from the proceedings? How is this seen, in particular, in "the Woman on the Dunes?" In what ways are the characters' extreme intensity and seriousness increased by the language and writing? Develop a clear thesis statement on this topic and pattern an essay around these questions (though not exclusively). Cite specific examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 2

What is the difference between erotica and pornography? Why is one considered to be more acceptable? How does "Little Birds" fall into the category of erotica? Do you personally agree with these assessments? Why or why not? Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the role of age and youth in these stories in the following format:

Part 1) The young brides.

Part 2) The sexually adventurous teenagers.

Part 3) The conflicts that arise from partners with a distinct age difference.

Part 4) The cultural differences in youth

Part 5) The compromises within the relationships, as well as the fate of the relationship.

Some of the stories that should definitely be discussed (but not exclusively) include "Saffron," "Sirocco," "a Model," and "Runaway." Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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