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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. Where did Allende learn to speak English?

2. Where did Allende's family live?

3. Allende states that the only certainty of her life was _____________________.

4. Who is Tio Ramon?

5. What was Allende doing when notified about her daughter?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Tio Ramon's infatuation with Paula.

2. What initiated Allende's writing her first book?

3. What loving acts do Paula's family members do prior to her death?

4. Why did Allende and her family have such a difficult time adapting to life in Caracas?

5. Describe the format of the book.

6. Describe Allende's son, Nicolas, during his teenage years in Caracas.

7. Why is Allende so grateful to have her mother with her in the hospital for a short while?

8. What does Allende share about her early school days in Santiago?

9. What is Allende's daily routine in the hospital as she sits with Paula?

10. What are Ernesto's perceptions of Paula at this point in time?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Allende's independent attitude and controversial choices in relation to the burgeoning Women's Rights movement in the 1960s and 1970s. Cite some examples that indicate that Allende embraced the new attitudes and roles for women. In what ways does Allende fit both the typical and atypical roles of Latin women?

Essay Topic 2

Allende lived a life of relative privilege and experiences as part of a diplomatic family. How did her experiences influence her as a person? How did the experiences influence her writing? Can you cite any examples?

Essay Topic 3

Explain the irony of Allende's daughter-in-law giving birth to her first child in the room where Paula will be brought to live out the balance of her life. Explain why this is an example of the circle of life and why Allende is particularly in tune with elements of nature and spirit.

(see the answer keys)

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