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

2. What is one solution that Manny did NOT wish Rebecca would choose in response to Manuel's attempt to shoot her?

3. What plants did NOT grow in Grandma Rosa's yard?

4. What part of Malcolm's body did Chico run into that knocked him unconscious?

5. What piece of equipment was Albert using when he received a gash in his hand?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. Why is it ironic for Lencho to be kicked out of the Berets after losing his boxing match to Boise?

3. What made Chico want to back out of his scheduled boxing match at the last minute?

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

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

6. What did Manuel do after he got out of bed and realized what had happened to Magda?

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

8. How did the various family members act differently from one another at the wake for Grandma Rosa that was held after the funeral?

9. How does the way in which the hospital receptionist treated the Hernandez family highlight the theme of same-race discrimination?

10. Who were the Berets?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Many characters within the novel have conflicted feelings about race--their own and others'. Choose at least three scenes in which the author demonstrates the complicated nature of race relations and use quotes from the novel to support your claims about the novel's treatment of race.

Essay Topic 3

What do housework, cleaning, and chores symbolize within the novel? Support your claim with concrete details from the narrative.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,401 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample