1. What can Mexico not shake?
(a) Its fast-pace urban setting.
(b) Its wealth, its commerce, and its shallow citizens.
(c) Its reputation for beautiful waterfalls and jungles.
(d) Its lethargy, its poverty, and its envy of Europe.

2. With what is the narrator now dealing?
(a) Mexico's revolutionary past.
(b) Mexico's future.
(c) Native Mexicans.
(d) Mexico City.

3. What difficulty does Rodrigo have growing up?
(a) Without a father.
(b) He is poor.
(c) His mother is unkind.
(d) He has a learning disability.

4. What does Robles say is the challenge of the era?
(a) Build capital for the nation and protect workers' rights.
(b) Reinvent the social security system.
(c) To create an education reform.
(d) Reinstate the draft and mandatory military service.

5. What is the marriage between Robles and Norma?
(a) A perfect bargain.
(b) A comfortable marriage.
(c) A perfect match.
(d) A loving marriage.

6. What does Rodrigo's mother do when she finds his manuscript called "lavender verse?"
(a) She becomes furious that he has wasted his time.
(b) She is unsure how to feel about his work.
(c) She becomes very excited.
(d) She throws it away our of anger.

7. What causes the family to temporarily relocate to New York City and then Paris?
(a) Political turmoil.
(b) An earthquake.
(c) A desire to see other cities.
(d) A death in the family.

8. Why does she buy a cigarette holder?
(a) To imitate them.
(b) To give to her husband.
(c) To donate to charity.
(d) To hold her cigarettes.

9. What does Norma say about literature?
(a) It is boring and worthless.
(b) It is the most precious art form.
(c) It is a waste of time.
(d) It is just as important as a nice handbag.

10. To what does Robles compare the intensity and exhilaration he feels with Hortensia?
(a) Fireworks.
(b) Speaking in front of a large crowd.
(c) Travelling.
(d) The battlefield.

11. To what does Norma devote herself?
(a) Her family.
(b) Her education.
(c) Her mother.
(d) Marrying wealthy.

12. What does the quick portrait of Gladys show?
(a) The struggles of her life raising seven children alone.
(b) The woman waking up in a wet street after a long night of work.
(c) The woman's struggle to become an American citizen.
(d) The woman's rise to power in the Mexican government.

13. What is Norma's main worry?
(a) Keeping her wealth.
(b) Whether or not her husband loves her.
(c) When she will have children.
(d) How to get more admiration and attention.

14. Who is Ixca Cienfuegos?
(a) A citizen of Buenos Aires.
(b) A citizen of Mexico City.
(c) A bull-rider.
(d) A writer.

15. What do the guards encourage Gervasio to do?
(a) Call his wife.
(b) Inform them of the whereabouts of his companions.
(c) Die alone.
(d) Run away.