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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. In Chapter 7, whom does Emilia claim that she no longer likes?

2. What is surprising about Senora Francisca's house?

3. What are the names of Magda's twin cousins?

4. What did the families of Magda's grandparents attempt?

5. What does Gabriela follow to get home?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What marks Senor Ruben as respectable in the eyes of the community?

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

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

5. What is piropos?

6. What does Cora do that dishonors her family?

7. What is the moral of Josefa's story and how is this known?

8. What sacrifice does Marco make in freeing Magda?

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

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

Write an essay detailing Magda and Marco's relationship, from their first meeting to their reunion. What exactly does Gabriela mean when she tells Magda that Marco will be a hard man to love? Cite specific examples from the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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