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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. Why do Esmeralda and the children stay cooped up inside now that they live in Brooklyn?

2. What job does Mami start out working in New York?

3. What kind of business do Mami and Papi start together?

4. What game do the children play in the house to make Titi Avena miserable?

5. Which memory causes Esmeralda to cry in "El Mangle"?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Esmeralda say that it is impossible to escape the stench when her family lives in El Mangle?

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

4. How has Mami's appearance changed after her return from New York?

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

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

7. Discuss the differences between Angie and Gladys.

8. How does Esmeralda's family react when they learn that Francisco has cancer?

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

10. Explain why Esmeralda laughs at Sra. Leona at the end of "El Mangle".

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the memoir, Esmeralda's notions of body change depending on her age and the culture in which she is participating. Trace the evolution of Esmeralda's understanding of the body and body image. How do changes in Mami's appearance influence her understanding of body image? How do interactions with boys and men shape her perception of her own body? How do interactions with other girls influence her feelings about her body? What is the strongest influence on Esmeralda's notions of her body?

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

Address the form and structure of the memoir. Analyze Santiago's choices in composing her life story. Consider, for example, the epigraphs that proceed each chapter, the titles of each chapter, and the progression of the story. How does Santiago make artistic choices in telling her story? How do these choices contribute to the overall effect of the work?

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