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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. In the Little School, who calls Alicia by her name?

2. While doing political work, what did Alicia and her compatriots use?

3. Why does the guard turn on the radio?

4. By the time she is offered her third shower, how long has Alicia been at the Little School?

5. What is the guards' excuse for giving the prisoners treats?

Short Essay Questions

1. What action does the coup spur young Alicia to take?

2. Why are Argentine youth suppressed after the military takes over rule of the country?

3. What thought causes Alicia to stop being amused at Patichoti's jokes?

4. How did Alicia's name figure into her political work?

5. How does Graciela feel about her unborn child?

6. Why does Alicia challenge the guard to an arm-wrestling match?

7. After she is taken, what does Alicia realize about her flight to Mary and Nestor's house?

8. When told to slap Hugo in the face, what does Alicia do instead?

9. What is a military coup?

10. Why does Alicia realize the music from the radio is not being played for her birthday?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the significance of the one flower slippers? What do they represent? What do they mean to Alicia and Vasca? Why is the large plastic flower so ridiculous given their situation? How long does it take for Alicia to get "decent" shoes? Discuss the symbolism of the one-flower slipper covered in excrement from the latrine.

Essay Topic 2

At the Little School, the prisoners were physically detained and bound, but the guards were more worried about their mental freedom. Why would that appear more dangerous than the prisoners' physical freedom? How does Alicia feel about being spiritually and mentally free? Discuss the different physical and mental restraints at the Little School. How does Alicia attempt to overcome such restraints?

Essay Topic 3

By which groups of people does the Argentine military feel threatened? According to Alicia's writings, why are they are threat? How does Peronism play into the events of the novel? Initially, why does Alicia choose be become politically active? What is her mission now, after making it out of the Little School alive?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 614 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample