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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. How does Rodrigo Pola feel at the party?

2. What do most of the characters do after the party?

3. What does Dona Lorenza teach Benjamin?

4. What does Rodrigo lament not having?

5. Who is Rodrigo Pola's only friend as a young boy?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Rodrigo spend his time as a young student?

2. To what does Ibarra devote himself? Describe his line of work.

3. What happens once Norma and Robles meet?

4. What does Manuel believe about Mexican culture and politics?

5. Who are three of Bobo's guests?

6. How do three of the characters die?

7. About what does Robles think while Ixca and Manuel are speaking?

8. What does Norma realize about Ixca?

9. How does Rodrigo describe his relationship with Pimpenela?

10. Why does Ibarra not like his job?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is some irony regarding the hero's son, Polas, and the millionaire's illegitimate son.

Part 1) What is the irony about their situations?

Part 2) With the book placing so much emphasis on origins and legacy, why is this symbolic?

Part 3) Does the author truly place emphasis on origins and legacy? Why or why not? Is background and culture necessary for success? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Norma has used her beauty to advance herself in the social world.

Part 1) What has she accomplished through her beauty?

Part 2) What must Norma do to keep her status?

Part 3) Is she successful in her conquests? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

A major theme is the inability of Mexico to find the proper balance between following the Western socio-economic model and her own traditions.

Part 1) Describe how the country is influenced by Western culture.

Part 2) How has Mexico kept her own traditions? What traditions?

Part 3) Why is Mexico unable to find a balance?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,052 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample