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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. Why is Senora Francisca not friendly with the other women?

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

3. What does the mysterious woman reveal to Senora Francisca?

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

5. How does Sofia stop Javier from hitting her with a belt?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is piropos?

2. Why is Gabriela murdered?

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

4. According to the letters from Jaime and Marco, what is happening in Uruguay?

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

6. Describe Magda and Emilia's fishing spot.

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Senora Francisca makes the observation that the Tupamaros need to either become completely peaceful or a completely terrorist organization. Emilia, after her imprisonment, accuses her mother and Magda of using her for the Tupamaros as much as the government uses people, an accusation that rings deep. In this essay, discuss the statements of Emilia and Senora Francisca and how they relate to the government. A good way to develop a thesis statement would be to compare and contrast the government to the Tupamaros.

Essay Topic 2

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.

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)

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