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

Short Answer Questions

1. What reason does Colonel García give Pedro for the women waiting in line outside the village?

2. When Harriet is dancing with Arroyo, whom does she imagine she is dancing with?

3. What type of man does Arroyo view as the most dangerous kind in the world?

4. What look does Colonel Frutos García claim is written all over the old gringo's face?

5. What type of dog was penned in with Arroyo when he was hiding in La Luna's home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Upon arriving in Mexico, Harriet sets out on a mission to "civilize" the Mexican people. Explain what methods Harriet adopts in her quest for civilization, and then explain what the outcome of her mission is. What does Harriet learn about the Mexican people in the process?

Essay Topic 2

The old gringo has many names in the course of the novel: the old gringo, the American, and Ambrose Bierce. Explain how the old gringo gained each of these three names, and explain what each of the names means to him as a character.

Essay Topic 3

It becomes clear quite early in the text that the old gringo is running away from his past as he flees to Mexico. Explain the history of events that have happened in the old gringo's life, and how these events inevitably led him to Mexico.

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This section contains 276 words (approx. 1 page at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample