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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. Whose characters did Magda's neighbor name her sons after?

2. Who is Magda's best friend?

3. What question does Mamasita ask Magda?

4. What literary work is referenced in the description of Cora's house?

5. What is Josefa's relationship to Magda?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Magda's mood at the end of Chapter 5 and why?

2. What sacrifice does Marco make in freeing Magda?

3. Why does Emilia no longer want to be around Cora?

4. How has Gabriela changed in the years since Magda has visited her house? How has she stayed the same?

5. What does Magda realize about Dan Mitrione?:

6. What does Cora do that dishonors her family?

7. What is piropos?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the motifs of this novel is the transition of the traditional woman (wife and mother) into something more modern and independent. Write an essay based on that thesis. Cite specific examples and incidents from the book to support the thesis.

Essay Topic 2

Mamasita has a colorful past and had to overcome many obstacles before she could be with Magda's grandfather. Compare and contrast Mamasita's life with Magda's story. How are they different? How are they the same? How has Magda taken inspiration from her grandmother?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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