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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. Why was Chico in the locker room when Manny brought in Albert with his bloody nose?

2. What reason did Rebecca give Manny for why they could not wake up Manuel and tell him what was happening with Magda?

3. What claim to fame did Coach Rogers have that everyone knew about, even Manny's dad from when he had been in school?

4. What did Manny list as Nardo's sole physical flaw?

5. What did Manny describe as the two main activities that students did in his English class with Mr. Shattler?

Short Essay Questions

1. Manny relates that his maternal grandfather died a few years back. What was his grandfather's health like before he died?

2. Who were the Berets?

3. How did Manny feel about his physical appearance when he compared it with Nardo's?

4. When the fight was not going well for Lencho and Miguel screamed at him to attack Boise, what reason did Manny give for wanting to scream at Miguel to shut his mouth?

5. Why was it so important to Miguel that Lencho win the boxing match against Boise?

6. Why did Manuel assume that Grandma Rosa's house would go to Rebecca and what were his plans for it when that happened?

7. What actions did Manny hope Rebecca would take in response to Manuel's abusive actions that resulted in his being jailed?

8. Though at first Rebecca claimed it was their lack of money that was keeping her from taking Magda back to the hospital after her fever kept rising, what did she finally admit was the real reason?

9. What actions did Manuel take on the day Magda went to the hospital that were indicative of his usual tendency to take a hands-off approach to his family's problems?

10. What did the argument between Magda and her mother Rebecca concerning Magda ruining her future show about Magda's character?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Victor Martinez cites one of his main literary influences as the poet William Carlos Williams, who is famous for his philosophy of literature that states, “There are no ideas but in things” (216). Discuss the meaning of this literary philosophy and explain how Parrot in the Oven displays its use. Use textual details to support your discussion.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the treatment of the unconscious within the novel, in particular focusing on dreams and second sight. Why are these elements included by the author and what effect do they have on the reader's understanding of the novel's themes and messages? Use concrete details from the narrative to support your points.

Essay Topic 3

Trace the characterization arc of Manny’s character throughout the novel. Discuss whether he is a round or flat character and whether he is a static or dynamic character. Use concrete details to support your claims.

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