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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. Which of the following ages is mentioned as that of Nieves' first child at the time of the death of Nieves' first husband?

2. What does Rocio hear upon "flying" into the universe?

3. Who wore Nieves' wedding dress for her own wedding?

4. Which of the following is mentioned as having been the cause of the death of Nieves' first husband?

5. What does Rocio see as she is "flying" into the universe?

Short Essay Questions

1. Based on the text in the Evening in Paris section of the book, what events described therein contribute toward Rocio's resolve to not grow up to be like her mother, Nieves?

2. According to the text in the Evening in Paris, how do Rocio and her mother differ in terms of the level of forethought applied toward the purchase of Christmas gifts for one another?

3. Based on the narrative in The Closet section of the book, is there a correlation between the "gray room", the "blue room", the universe, and their positions in relation to a yearning for a free-like existence that Rocio may have?

4. According to the narrative in the Willow Game section of the book, aside from the trees in the neighborhood, is there anything or anyone that remains a constant in Rocio's life?

5. According to the narrative in The Closet section of the book, in what sense can the television room closet be labeled as being historical?

6. Based on the the text in the Evening in Paris section of the book, how do Rocio and her mother, Nieves share or differ in the manner that they go about acquiring gifts for their loved ones?

7. Based on the text in The Closet section of the book, what does Rocio telling her sister, Mercy about her "special rooms" and advising her to find her own reveal about Rocio's bond with Mercy?

8. Based on the narrative of the Willow Game section of the book, how do Rocio and her family show their reverence toward the willow tree?

9. According to the text in the Evening in Paris section of the book, how does frugality play a major role in the celebration of Christmas in Rocio's household?

10. What factors noted in the Willow Game section of the book contribute toward the existence of harmony on the "down" side of the street where Rocio lives?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Although the Athertons who live next door to Rocio are mentioned as permanent fixtures in prominent fashion at the beginning of the he story, unlike other lesser-mentioned neighbors' , (e.g., the two boys who move away and get wealthy, and Rocio's cousin who moves away), the reader is never apprised of their ultimate fate. What are your thoughts on what may have happened to Mr. and Mrs. Atherton and their son, Ricky by the time that Rocio and Mercy grew up and left home at the end of the book?

Essay Topic 2

In college and rooming with her boyfriend, Loudon, Rocio entertains thoughts of escaping to the arms of one of Loudon's friends, and getting a place of her own. Explain how certain events in Rocio's life prior to college, as described in the book, are likely to have foreshadowed her desire to change her collegiate love interest and living arrangements.

Essay Topic 3

Rocio's relationship with her mother, Nieves is depicted as distant throughout the book. What are some of the factors that contribute to that type of relationship existing between mother and daughter? Support your statements with text from the book.

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