View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. From whom were the land grants to the Mexican people?

2. What does the traveling party admit was one of the old gringo's biggest flaws?

3. What creature is present in the bottom of every mescal bottle?

4. How old is Pedro when he first meets the old gringo?

5. Where are the POWs who refuse to join with Pancho Villa held?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How does the general respond to the coin the old gringo has just shot?

4. What choice in battle does the old gringo have when he and General Arroyo reach the clearing?

5. What thoughts do Harriet and the old gringo have when they think they hear gunshots during the fiesta?

6. How did it come to be that Harriet was left without a dowry?

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

8. What is the reaction amongst the Mexican people after the old gringo's death?

9. What vanities does the old gringo have, and how do the other soldiers respond to them?

10. How does Harriet intend to teach the servants about temptation?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

General Arroyo has a real hatred for the American and European forces that are invading Mexico, and yet he finds himself in close relationships with two Americans. Explain why Arroyo has such hatred for the American forces in Mexico, and why he chooses to make two special exceptions to his rule when it comes to the old gringo and Harriet.

Essay Topic 2

La Luna is a woman of unarguable strength in the novel. Explain the history La Luna has with the Mexican Revolution, and then explain the evolution of her relationship with General Arroyo.

Essay Topic 3

The old gringo is commonly compared to a ghost or an apparition in the novel. Give a detailed description of what the old gringo looks like, and explain how his looks are commonly misconstrued as being ghostly. Finally, choose one example from the text that highlights whether this ghostly appearance proves to be a benefit or a hindrance in the old man's life.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 892 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample