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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 branch of the armed forces did Harriet move to be closer to?

2. What does Inocencio Mansalvo think the old gringo has come into the desert to do?

3. Where does Harriet sleep at night?

4. Where had Harriet been living before moving to Washington D.C.?

5. What is the other name the Mexican characters in the novel give to the old gringo?

Short Essay Questions

1. What two elements does Arroyo see has held him in a prison throughout his life.

2. How did La Luna's husband feel about servants?

3. How do the guerrilla soldiers react when they first see the old gringo cross the border into their territory?

4. In what way does the reader get insight into Harriet Winslow's memories?

5. Why does La Garduña frantically wake Harriet from her siesta?

6. How do the guerrilla soldiers react to seeing the mirrors in the ballroom?

7. How does Harriet feel upon returning home from Mexico?

8. What does Harriet remember about the boy who helped her cross the border into America?

9. How does General Arroyo die?

10. What memories does Arroyo have when he is forcing Harriet to dance with him in the ballroom?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the novel, Harriet has two men that she views as a father figure. Compare and contrast the role that each of these men played in Harriet's life, and explain why she has the conflicted emotions that she does about who she should consider her "father".

Essay Topic 2

The old gringo sets out to Mexico with the hopes of dying there. Explain why the old gringo is drawn to such a drastic conclusion, and what brings him to Mexico. Finally, explain why you think the old gringo does, or does not, achieve the goal he is after.

Essay Topic 3

General Arroyo had a very rough childhood leading up to his days in the revolution. Write out a time line of events that pushed Arroyo toward his position as a revolutionary. Then, explain how Arroyo's childhood problems came back to haunt him while he was living his military life.

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