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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 does the Spanish word “pues” translate to in English?

2. How does the narrator describe Cleofilas’ brothers in the beginning of the story?

3. What does the laundromat attendant first yell at Cleofilas for, according to the narrator?

4. Felice asks Cleofilas as they drive out of town, “Did you ever notice how nothing around here is named after” what?

5. What Spanish phrase in the story translates to “It is not good for your health”?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Cleofilas’ laughter described at the end of the story? What does the laughter symbolize?

2. How is the myth of La Llorona described historically? What character is La Llorona similar to in the telenovelas described in “Woman Hollering Creek”?

3. What is significant about the names “Felice,” “Graciela,” and “Cleofilas” in the story? What meanings do these names have?

4. What principle objective of Cleofilas’ is seen in the flashback at the beginning of the story? How does this objective tie into the plot of You or No One?

5. Why does Cleofilas doubt her ability to return home when she considers it in the story?

6. Where does Juan Pedro promise to take Cleofilas to obtain her wedding dress? Why does he want to marry quickly?

7. How would you describe the use of “archetypes” and “stereotypes” in “Woman Hollering Creek”?

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

9. How is Cleofilas’ hometown described early in the story? How does Cleofilas spend her time there?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Plot Structure

a. Discuss the plot structure of “Woman Hollering Creek.” In what ways is the narrative related and what effect does this have on the reader?

b. How does “Woman Hollering Creek” compare with other novels and short stories written during this time period? Are there specific stylistic elements that can be seen in Sandra Cisneros’ writing?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss Soledad and Trini in “Woman Hollering Creek.” What are Cleofilas’ thoughts and feelings about these characters? In what ways do they relate to Cleofilas? Why does Soledad consider herself a widow? For how long has her husband been gone?

Essay Topic 3

Reality versus Fantasy in “Woman Hollering Creek”

a. Describe and discuss the various fantasies that Cleofilas engages in throughout the story. What do these fantasies revolve around? How do they compare with fantasies of your own?

b. Describe the realities of marriage and living in the United States for Cleofilas in the narrative. In what ways is Cleofilas isolated and alienated in this setting? How does her reality differ from her fantasies?

(see the answer keys)

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