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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is awaiting Marco when he returns to Montevideo?

2. Who is captured at the beginning of Chapter 21?

3. What is Marco's goal?

4. In Chapter 20, what does Emilia demand from Magda and her mother?

5. What does Magda admit to Marco 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

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.

Essay Topic 3

In this essay, discuss the fates of Magda and her friends by the end of the novel. What has been the meaning of all the fighting? Does it appear that Magda and Marco have finally won what they are fighting for? The characters to be discussed are:

Magda.

Marco.

Emilia.

Cora.

Ramiro.

Jaime.

Gabriela.

What is the author trying to say by having so many people come to a bad end?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 326 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample