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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 does Jose want Rodolfo to study?

2. In "Rain," what does Mamadre do to help Neftali pass the time?

3. In "Tree," who sits with Neftali on the train on the way home?

4. In "Rain," what season is it?

5. In "Tree," what large tree does Neftali find in a clearing while exploring the forest?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Mamadre tell Neftali about his mother and being strong in "Rain"?

2. In "Tree," what bird does Neftali see in a large pine tree?

3. What has Neftali been doing in "Pinecone" since the visit to the forest?

4. In "Pinecone," what does Neftali hear and how does he feel about the sound?

5. In "Mud, what happens because it rains so long?

6. in "Wind," what instructions does Jose give Rudolfo about walking Neftali to school?

7. What type of friend does Neftali wish would live in the house next door?

8. In "Forest," what instructions does Rudolfo give Neftali to follow when he goes into the forest with their father?

9. In "Rain," how does Neftali forget himself and see himself when Mamadre reads to him?

10. What does Neftali think and see when he hears the chucao bird in "Tree"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the novel, some characters are more thoroughly described than others. Who are some characters that are merely named in passing or have a minor role in the novel? What is the importance of these flat characters to the story line? In what way do these characters make the main characters more colorful or interesting? When there is conflict, what type of role do these flat characters play?

Essay Topic 2

Neftali does not have any friends. What type of friend does Neftali dream of having? How do a toy sheep and a pair of swans become Neftali’s friends and companions? How do they fulfill his need for friendship and companionship?

Essay Topic 3

Mamadre is Neftali’s stepmother. How would you describe the relationship between Mamadre and Neftali? How is it affected by the relationship Neftali has with his father?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 875 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample