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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 did Julian leave Mexico City?

2. How old is Sol when the story begins?

3. What does Sol's nanny say she must do to prepare for her visit to the shrine of St. Rita?

4. What does Julian sleep in when he is in the Guatemalan jungle?

5. What does the organ grinder's monkey do when people place a coin in his tin cup?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Sol stands before the statue of St. Rita?

2. Why does Saavedra think it is a good idea for Julian to meet Don Manuel?

3. What is Sol's state of mind at the beginning of the Prologue?

4. Why does Lucia hide Julian's passionate words on the back of the postcard?

5. What role does Xenufla play in the prologue?

6. What kind of help does Julian receive in getting established in Guatemala City?

7. Does religion play an important role in this time period?

8. What does Professor Saavedra hope for Julian?

9. Describe how Julian finds a place to stay when he arrives in Guatemala.

10. What does Julian think about when he is in the cantina El Ultimo?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the use of diaries in the novel. What role do they play in informing the reader of the characters' impressions of their experiences as well as their innermost thoughts? Why does Sol give her diary to Julian when she has been careful to hide it from everyone else?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the character of Don Manuel. What role does he play in Julian's life? Do you think he uses manipulation to influence Julian? How so?

Essay Topic 3

How is the character of Professor Saavedra used as an example of what Julian does not want to become? What kind of life does Saavedra live that Julian finds both positive and negative? Provide textual examples to support your opinion.

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This section contains 826 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample