View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Forche's nickname from her time in New Mexico?

2. What does Forche tell Leonel about the way poets are perceived in the United States?

3. What are the people who disappear without a trace called?

4. What did the doctor at the first hospital Forche visits in El Salvador tell her before Forche goes to see it?

5. Who is the doctor at the first hospital Leonel takes Forche to visit in El Salvador?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Leonel say to Forche when she first arrives in El Salvador on her first trip that makes her think her travel there was a mistake?

2. How does Forche feel that Leonel misunderstands her work as a poet?

3. What is the loose connection between Forche and Leonel?

4. What nickname does Leonel often refer to Forche by and where did it originate?

5. What does Forche realize Leonel enjoys immensely during the time he stays with her in California?

6. What is Leonel's occupation, at least ostensibly, and what does Forche think about the way he does his work?

7. What had Forche's friend Maya told her about Leonel?

8. What does Forche think Margarita Herrera's first impression of her is?

9. What does Forche think about Leonel's daughters during the time they all stay with her in California?

10. What was Forche's experience observing and helping in Dr. Vicky's hospital?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why does Leonel tell Forche that she may have a hard time convincing other Americans that what she has seen in El Salvador, and specifically, how brutal and violent the atmosphere is? Are Leonel's warnings to Forche borne out in her actual experiences? Write an essay explaining your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay analyzing how the stage of life and career Forche was in when Leonel first appeared on her doorstep in California contributed to her willingness and ability to travel to El Salvador for extended stays and to begin to bear witness to the turmoil and violence that wracked the country throughout the late 1970s, 80s, and 90s.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay explaining how Forche first becomes aware of the extent of the problem of desaparecidos in El Salvador. Who introduces the concept to her and explains what is being done to try to help bring the families of those who have disappeared some comfort and closure?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 805 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample