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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 is one of the central themes in “Woman Hollering Creek”?

2. The narrator compares the men of the bar do what creatures, “chasing their own tails before lying down to sleep”?

3. Who is the heroine of “You or No One”?

4. What cartoon character is described on the baby blanket that Cleofilas lays by the creek?

5. The thoughts of Cleofilas’ father in the opening of “Woman Hollering Creek” are an example of what literary device?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Cleofilas’ “fatal flaw” in “Woman Hollering Creek”?

2. How is the concept of “borders” illustrated thematically in “Woman Hollering Creek”?

3. How is the incident when Juan Pedro throws a book at Cleofilas described? What is Cleofilas’ reaction to this event?

4. How are the roles of women defined by the society in which Cleofilas lives in the story?

5. What is demonstrated through the author’s use of foreshadowing in “Woman Hollering Creek”?

6. What conversation do you imagine takes place between Cleofilas and Graciela at the clinic?

7. Where does Cleofilas find and develop strength in order to pursue her escape in the story?

8. How do dreams and reality contrast in Cleofilas’ marriage to Juan Pedro in “Woman Hollering Creek”?

9. How does Cleofilas compare Juan Pedro to the male stars of the telenovelas?

10. How does Juan Pedro behave toward Cleofilas after he has beaten her for the first time? What is Cleofilas’ response?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define “protagonist” in narrative literature and develop a list of the qualities a protagonist possesses. What indications does the author give that Cleofilas is the protagonist of “Woman Hollering Creek” in the beginning of the narrative? What are Cleofilas’ strengths as a protagonist? What are her weaknesses?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the character of Felice and her symbolic and metaphorical meaning in “Woman Hollering Creek.” How does Felice stand out as a role model to Cleofilas? In what ways does meeting Felice solidify Cleofilas’ decision to leave her abusive relationship?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the symbolism and imagery surrounding Dolores’ garden in the story. What is ironic about the narrator’s descriptions of the flowers? What do these flowers represent to Dolores? What do they represent to Cleofilas?

(see the answer keys)

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