View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who shows up at the family's home at the end of Chapter 1?

2. Why is La Loca repulsed by humans?

3. About how old was Sofi when she met Don Domingo?

4. What is special about Francisco El Penitente's position in his family?

5. How much is the admission fee to Ojo Caliente?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain what eventually kills Fe.

2. By the end of the novel, what has Sofi lost and gained?

3. List some of the most common ailments, according to Felicia, and what can be done to cure them.

4. How does Caridad "reject men and embrace spirituality" in Chapter 2?

5. What does Helena know about the town she and Maria are in when they stop at the gas station?

6. Why does Fe think Caridad disappeared?

7. What sign does Francisco see outside Caridad's door?

8. Describe Caridad's encounter with the woman on the wall when she reaches Ojo Caliente.

9. What does Acme International represent?

10. Explain the routine of Caridad's life as she is mentored by Felicia.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sofi's cooperative is a significant part of Castillo's story. What does the organization symbolize? What similarities can you give between the cooperative and Sofi's character?

Essay Topic 2

Characters' names are symbolic in this story. Choose two characters and describe what their names symbolize. Why would Castillo choose these particular names for the characters?

Essay Topic 3

The church plays a very significant role in the lives of Castillo's characters, even if most of the story does not refer directly to organized religion. What distinction do you think Castillo would make between religion and spirituality? Do you think she would claim that one is superior over the other? What role does religion play in the lives of Sofi and her daughters, as opposed to spirituality?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 699 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample