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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who has become affiliated with the Tupamaros by Chapter 17?

2. Why is Magda never physically harmed in prison?

3. What evidence does Magda come across that supports what she overheard from her employer?

4. Who helps Magda deal with her guilt over Mitrione?

5. Who drives Magda and Lilita home in Chapter 19?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Halfway through the novel, Magda is sexually assaulted by a police officer after a riot breaks out at Che's speech. Why does the author choose to take this route with Magda? How does it change the character? What does the attack on Magda mean in the overall context of the government's abuse of the Uruguayans?

Essay Topic 3

A recurring symbol in this novel is stars. Write an essay explaining the author's use of stars and how it relates to the overall story. Be sure to develop a strong thesis statement and cite specific examples from the the text to support the thesis. Be sure to consider the poinsettia tree, the estrella federal, and even the star on the communist flag. Explore how this relates to the government and to the characters.

(see the answer keys)

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