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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. From what material is the Mission School made?

2. How many van-loads of police arrive at Raphael's house when they come to arrest him?

3. What happened to make Gardo frightened of rats?

4. When the police ask Raphael about the bag he has found and he denies finding a bag, what does he say he has found instead?

5. How many pesos does the wallet contain that Raphael finds on Thursday?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Raphael says that he and Gardo might as well be brothers, what evidence does he give to support this conclusion?

2. Which of the three boys is chosen to open the train station locker with the key from inside the found leather bag and why?

3. What is different about the day the police come to orchestrate the search for the leather bag, versus a normal day within the dumpsite?

4. List three physical changes that occur within Raphael's body as a result of his terror at being hauled away from his house by the police.

5. What does Father Juilliard say about his imminent departure from his position running the Pascal Aguila Mission School?

6. What are all of the items of value that Raphael and Gardo find inside the "special" (18) containing the mysterious and money-laden leather bag?

7. What is the main point of Grace's piece of narration from the story?

8. Who was Pascal Aguila?

9. What are three cases that Pascal Aguila took on and won during his career?

10. What does Raphael say is the reason for Jose Angelico's arrest?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

A great number of Trash's narrators refer to the subject of trust at different points within the novel. Trace these mentions, explain each instance's circumstances, and discuss the overall message the author sends about the subject of trust. Include concrete details from the novel to support your points.

Essay Topic 2

Deception is a theme that shows up often in the novel, whether it comes through in the boys' manipulation of Sister Olivia or in the corrupt senator's stealing of the money meant to relieve the country's extreme poverty. Develop a claim stating the author's message regarding deception and prove your claim with at least three instances of deception within the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Trace the characterization arc of Raphael's character throughout the novel. Discuss whether he is a round or flat character and whether he is a static or dynamic character. Use concrete details to support your claims.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,101 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample