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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Cora ultimately end up doing about her relationship with her boyfriend?

2. What happens to Dan Mitrione at the beginning of Chapter 18?

3. What does Magda admit to Marco in Chapter 19?

4. What does Jaime do in one of his letters to Magda?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

This novel gives a strong sense of the Uruguayan culture as it was during the revolution of the '60s. Discuss what you have learned about the culture from this novel, citing specific examples. Be sure to include the following:

1) Carnival.

2) Fiesta de quince.

3) Piropos.

4) Religion.

5) Class differences.

Essay Topic 3

It seems that the characters only truly mature and progress into their fight for what they believe is right when they are marked by tragedy. Is this the author's intent? Be sure to discuss:

1) Magda's sexual assault.

2) The deaths of Jaime and Gabriela.

3) Emilia's wrongful imprisonment.

4) Cora's near-miss with the Holocaust in Europe.

(see the answer keys)

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