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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. On one very hot afternoon, what does Bruja force the prisoners to do?

2. With whom is Maria Elena in love?

3. What has given the guard a headache?

4. What was the first time Alicia used the term "senor"?

5. What experience does Zorzal have with delivering babies?

Short Essay Questions

1. On what list are Graciela and Raul listed?

2. Why is the guards' choice of Chinese water torture ridiculous?

3. What are the two fierce shadows of Alicia's poem?

4. How does the bread help to give the prisoners strength?

5. What happens to Alicia when the raindrop falls on her forehead?

6. What does the denim jacket mean to Alicia?

7. Why does Alicia make the bread balls?

8. What was Alicia on the early bus to the suburbs?

9. What happened to the son Graciela bore at the Little School?

10. How does she feel when she is able to wash her hands with the leak?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Benja's first night. How does Alicia know him? How does Maria Elena know him? What are the guards doing to him? How does Alicia try to help him? How do they others try to help him? What insights do Alicia's attempts at aiding Benja give into her character?

Essay Topic 2

What symbolism is present in the work? Choose at least three symbols from anywhere in the work to discuss. Be specific about which symbols you are choosing and what you think they symbolize.

Essay Topic 3

Examine Alicia's poem about the stream.

1) What symbolism or metaphor is present in the poem?

2) Why does Alicia choose to recite the poem when she does?

3) Why do you think the guards are convince the poem is something subversive?

(see the answer keys)

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