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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 is the man sent across the river from Argentina suffering from?

2. How many Brazilian steamers arrive in Asuncion on the day that the people begin to riot?

3. What city does Ella tell her children about while they are watching the executions?

4. How many generals does Franco put in charge of his troops at the Rio Grande?

5. How does Dona Dolores' husband die?

Short Essay Questions

1. What befalls the "traitors" in the Lopez family after their arrest?

2. How does Franco die?

3. What happens when the entire Paraguayan fleet is sent to capture the Brazilian fleet in Riacheulto?

4. How does Dr. Mastermind spend his days in prison?

5. How does Pancho die?

6. What effect does General Diaz have on Franco's troops?

7. What reaction waves through the women of Paraguay when Franco demands that they hand over their jewelry in support of the war against Brazil?

8. What fate befalls Alonzo Taylor's family after he escapes on a British ship?

9. What does Dr. Mastermind do upon his release from prison?

10. What happens when Ella and her children are sent to relocate to the small town of Pikysyry?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The baptism of Franco and Ella's first son is a major turning point in the novel. Explain the circumstances surrounding Pancho's baptism and explain how these events irrevocably altered the plot of the novel and the relationships in the Lopez family.

Essay Topic 2

U.S. Commander-in-Chief Charles Washburn has a very special relationship with Dr. Mastermind by the end of the novel. Explain how Charles Washburn affected Dr. Mastermind's life and death, and then explain how Washburn felt after becoming so intertwined with the doctor's fate.

Essay Topic 3

Franco has a long history of abusing his power when it comes to women. Choose one woman from Franco's past, either in his family or romantic history, and explain how his relationship with her signals to the reader how he will eventually come to treat Ella.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 841 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample