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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. What erupts from the ceiling as Noemí is bathing in Chapter 17?

2. Against what does Noemí caution herself in Chapter 16?

3. What apparently causes Catalina to convulse in Chapter 13?

4. Where does Noemí find herself sleepwalking at the end of Chapter 17?

5. What doubt does Florence express at the end of Chapter 15?

Short Essay Questions

1. What information does Francis give to Noemí in Chapter 23?

2. What strange inscription does Noemí notice in the cemetery at the start of Chapter 14? Why is this inscription strange?

3. What is Noemí’s theory regarding the origins of ghosts, as she muses in Chapter 17? How does Francis react to her theory?

4. How does Howard appear in Chapter 19? What is Noemí forced to do?

5. What strange dream does Noemí have in Chapter 14?

6. Why do Francis and Noemí argue in Chapter 23?

7. Describe the marriage ceremony that occurs in Chapter 24.

8. What information does Noemí learn about Dr. Cummins in Chapter 21?

9. What does Virgil announce during dinner in Chapter 19? How does Noemí react to this news?

10. Why is it impossible for Noemí to leave High Place, according to Virgil at the end of Chapter 18? What does he ask her to do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay explaining the significance of the title of the novel, Mexican Gothic. How does the title reflect the main characters? How does the title reflect the novel’s themes and conflicts? How does the title’s meaning change over the course of the novel?

Essay Topic 2

The role of beauty is a major theme of the novel. Choose three situations in which this theme is illustrated. Explain how each situation illustrates the theme of beauty, and evaluate what the author is trying to say about this subject.

Essay Topic 3

The antagonist of a novel is a character or force who works in opposition to the protagonist. Who is the antagonist of the novel? Virgil Doyle? Howard Doyle? Or someone—or something—else? What do you think? Make a case for that which you believe best fits the criteria of an antagonist in Mexican Gothic.

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