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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 did the families of Magda's grandparents attempt?

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

3. Where do Magda and Emilia go to feel safe?

4. What happened to Emilia once?

5. What is Marco convinced will happen at the speech?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How do Magda and Janet differ in opinions?

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

4. Why does Marco object to Jaime being in Magda's life?

5. What does Emilia tell Magda about her idea to play pranks?

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

7. What do Magda and Emilia's mothers do for Gabriela?

8. Who is Che Guevara?

9. What is significant about Gabriela reading palms?

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

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

Pick one of the following topics to write about, using examples from the text to support your arguments.

1) The secondary subplot of Cora and how it fills in the gaps of Magda's story.

2) Gabriela's use of mysticism and how it connects her more fully to the people around her.

3) Josefa's story of the moon and mate and how it relates to the main story.

Essay Topic 3

Magda's imprisonment takes place over several months. Although she is never physically harmed, she nearly loses her mind from the isolation and the constant sounds of people being tortured. Detail Magda's time in prison and how it affects her. How does she survive? Is what she goes through any worse or better than the other prisoners? Why or why not? Is Magda particularly strong to have survived or lucky? Cite specific examples from the text to support the arguments.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 992 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample