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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 does Pablo tell Elisa about America's influence in Cuba in Chapter 8?

2. Who introduces herself to Marisol as Luis's wife?

3. Where does Pablo ask Elisa to meet him the following day in Chapter 4?

4. In Chapter 11, what dinner is Ana making that evening for the paladar?

5. In Chapter 8, what does Luis tell Marisol about his bruises?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 10, what does Luis tell Marisol about the food ration system in Cuba?

2. In Chapter 9, why does Marisol find it difficult to be around Luis?

3. In Chapter 1, why is Marisol traveling to Cuba for the first time?

4. Which leader does Pablo support in Chapter 7, and why does he support him?

5. In Chapter 9, how does Luis explain his cuts and bruises to Elisa?

6. In Chapter 8, what happens to Ana and Elisa when they are out to lunch?

7. In Chapter 1, why is Elisa fleeing Cuba with her family?

8. In Chapter 8, why is Pablo wary of the upcoming elections in Cuba?

9. In Chapter 7, what does Alejandro find Elisa specifically to tell her?

10. In Chapter 3, what is Elisa's first meeting with Pablo like?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is Elisa's relationship with each of her parents like? Why do you think Elisa is closer to Magda, her former nanny and the family housekeeper, than she is with her own mother? Write an essay explaining your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay analyzing and exploring Marisol's complex feelings when she first arrives in Cuba at the start of the novel, keeping in mind her main reason for traveling there and citing specific references to the text to help support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

In the beginning of the novel, why does Marisol feel a sense of shame related to her wealth when she first arrives in Cuba, especially when she meets Caridad and Cristina? Write an essay explaining your answers.

(see the answer keys)

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