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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. How are the women in Magda's family described?

2. What does Cora reveal to Magda and Emilia in Chapter 4?

3. Where does this novel take place?

4. What do Magda and Emilia hear being spoke about at Senora Francisca's home?

5. In 1959, how old are Magda and Emilia?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Emilia so furious at her mother and Magda?

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

3. What is piropos?

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

5. What is significant about Senora Francisca having a bare house?

6. Describe Magda's hometown.

7. Why is Mrs. Allenberg afraid for her daughter?

8. Why does Magda lie to Gabriela about having a large breakfast?

9. How does Senora Francisca plan to support herself and her daughters? Why does she take this action?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Despite the characters' search for love, this novel is not about romance. The author uses romance and true love against the backdrop of the revolution to highlight the true atrocities of that the Uruguayan government commits. Discuss how one story enhances the other.

Part 1) Focus on one particular aspect (for example, Marco and Magda, Cora and Ramiro, etc.).

Part 2) How do the revolution and the corrupt government make the couplings possible?

Part 3) Why add any romantic subplot at all? How does it enhance the novel?

Essay Topic 2

While in America, Magda is surprised to discover that her American sister, Janet, is very trusting and passive of her government. Write an essay on the following parts:

Part 1) Compare and contrast Magda's experiences with the Uruguayan government and her thoughts on the American government with Janet's beliefs.

Part 2) Analyze how each girl feels about the other's beliefs.

Part 3) Discuss what happens that changes Janet's mind about trusting the government completely.

Essay Topic 3

It seems that the characters only truly mature and progress into their fight for what they believe is right when they are marked by tragedy. Is this the author's intent? Be sure to discuss:

1) Magda's sexual assault.

2) The deaths of Jaime and Gabriela.

3) Emilia's wrongful imprisonment.

4) Cora's near-miss with the Holocaust in Europe.

(see the answer keys)

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