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

Short Answer Questions

1. What occurs between Magda and Jaime at the dance?

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

3. What can Magda hear in the cell next to her?

4. What is Cora's fate at the end of the book?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Magda and Emilia are best friends. Despite their differences, they try to help and protect each other as best as they can, even if it does not always end up well.

Part 1) Compare and contrast Magda and Emilia. What are their similarities? Their differences?

Part 2) How does Magda's desire to protect Emilia end up hurting both of the girls in the long run? How could these events have been avoided?

Part 3) Where are both of the girls at the end of the novel? How have they changed? How have they stayed the same? Are they still best friends? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 393 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample