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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the family eat when they arrive at Tata's?

2. What floats by the barrio Esmeralda's family moves to in "El Mangle"?

3. On which street does Esmeralda's family live in "Casi Senorita"?

4. What color are Nicasia's eyes?

5. What is in the bags Mami carries off the plane?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discuss the difference in Gladys' and Esmeralda's reactions to the task of peeling potatoes.

2. How does Esmeralda cope with the embarrassment of being singled out for her sub-standard math skills in front of the class?

3. How does Francisco's family react to the news that he has cancer?

4. Describe Dona Andrea.

5. How has Mami's new appearance changed the way she interacts with people in Puerto Rico?

6. What happens when Don Joaquin calls on sinners to cast off evil?

7. How does Esmeralda feel as Nicasia leads her through the process of blessing the dead baby?

8. How does the vision of romance which Esmeralda receives from soap operas compare with the relationship model she receives from her parents?

9. Why does Mami begin sending the children to Sunday school?

10. Describe the house the family moves into at the beginning of "Letters from NY".

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the way sexuality is treated throughout Esmeralda's life. How is she educated about sex and sexuality? How do events in her life teach her about sexuality? Consider various points in the memoir, including but not limited to the sexual relationship between Mami and Papi, the interaction between Tato and Esmeralda, the interaction between Esmeralda and Don Luis.

Essay Topic 2

Examine Santiago's discussion of the increasing U.S. influence. How does Santiago address the growing U.S. presence in the lives of Puerto Ricans? How does her perspective compare to Papi's perception of the U.S. American "imperialists"? Consider events such as the hygiene and nutrition meeting in forming your answer.

Essay Topic 3

How does Santiago address issues of Puerto Rican identity in this memoir about her childhood and immigration experience? To Santiago, what does it mean to be Puerto Rican? What does it mean to be a Puerto Rican girl living in the United States? How are these two identities different? How are they similar? Support your response with evidence from the text.

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