View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Emilia agree to go to the speech?

2. Who is the main character of the story Josefa tells Magda?

3. What does Lilita attempt to do?

4. What animal is Magda particularly excited about seeing?

5. What present does Magda bring Gabriela?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Che Guevara?

2. Why does Mamacita bring Magda to her home?

3. How does Jaime realize that he will never marry Magda?

4. What does Cora do that dishonors her family?

5. Why is Marco unhappy that Magda wants to see Che speak?

6. What is significant about Marco and Magda's correspondence?

7. What is scandalous about una casa de cita in Chapter 3?

8. Why does Magda collect the sweat and blood of the people who are tortured in the cell next to hers?

9. What is the conflict between Marco and his parents?

10. What realization does Magda make that has her joining the Tupamaros?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

A recurring symbol in this novel is stars. Write an essay explaining the author's use of stars and how it relates to the overall story. Be sure to develop a strong thesis statement and cite specific examples from the the text to support the thesis. Be sure to consider the poinsettia tree, the estrella federal, and even the star on the communist flag. Explore how this relates to the government and to the characters.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the intense difference in classes in Montevideo. Which characters are the upper class? Which characters are the lower class? Why are there so few wealthy people and so many poor people in Montevideo? Cite specific examples from the novel.

Essay Topic 3

The Uruguayan government becomes increasingly corrupt as the novel goes on. Describe the transition of the government from the beginning of the novel to the end. How has the government gone through so many changes? How do these changes affect Magda and Marco? Which, if any of the characters, have a direct impact on the changing government? Cite specific examples from the book.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 993 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample