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. How many rooms does the family have in Tata's house?

2. According to Dona Andrea, what happens if a child hits his/her mother?

3. What kind of work does Mami bring home in "Letters from New York"?

4. Where does Esmeralda go with Mami to act as a translator?

5. What is the first word of English Esmeralda hears her mother speak?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Discuss the interactions between Esmeralda's family and the taxi driver in "Angels on the Ceiling".

3. Describe the church Mami sends the children to in "Casi Senorita".

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

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

6. How does Esmeralda describe the stewardesses at the beginning of "Angels on the Ceiling"?

7. Describe Dona Andrea.

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 903 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample