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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 are the names of Magda's twin cousins?

2. On which boy does Magda develop a crush?

3. According to rumor, who might be involved with a dead Nazi?

4. What country is Magda's grandfather from?

5. What do Marco and Magda argue over in Chapter 9?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is significant about Gabriela reading palms?

2. Why do the aunts criticize the American woman in their neighborhood?

3. Who is Basco?

4. What happens to Magda after she escapes the riot?

5. What are Senora Francisca's feelings about the Tupas?

6. Why is Cora able to go to the zoo with Magda and Emilia?

7. Why does Senor Ruben's mistress come to see Senora Francisca?

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

9. What does Mamasita ask Magda about Jaime, and what conclusions can be drawn from Magda's answer?

10. How are the twins supposed to date boys?

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

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.

Essay Topic 3

Mr. and Mrs. Allenberg fear that their daughter will face persecution for her religion as they did in Europe during World War II. Discuss the author's method of introducing the most infamous genocide in history to the story that takes place in Uruguay. Be sure to discuss the following points:

1) The similarities between the Uruguayan government and the regime that persecuted the Jewish people.

2) What the aim of each government is in their actions.

3) The willingness or unwillingness of other citizens to let the persecution continue.

(see the answer keys)

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