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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. The narrator of the chapter entitled "The Cousin" states that during her time in the Dominican Republic as a teen, she had had no shortage of what?

2. What object is part of the process discussed in the chapter called "The Mother," which the narrator says she had called "putting on the bear" (24)?

3. Two of the sisters of the Prologue's narrator have what job?

4. Yo is said to be the same age as which member of Garfield's family?

5. Garfield intends to take what action at the end of the current school year?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what way does the theme of marginalization arise within the Prologue?

2. How does the theme of pride emerge within the first meeting between Yo and Sarita in decades?

3. How does the theme of control arise within the Prologue?

4. Describe the nature of the culture shock Sarita experiences upon arriving in New York.

5. In what way does the narrator of the Prologue deceive one of her sisters within the narrative?

6. Describe the relationship between Yo and Garfield.

7. In what way do Sarita and her mother Primi reach the United States?

8. What event occurs in the Garcia household that causes Mami to start taking Valium and sleeping pills?

9. Discuss an example of magical realism Alvarez includes within the narrative.

10. What is the symbolism of the powder Sarita's mother uses in an effort to get to New York City?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the function of Lucinda's character within the novel? Discuss the characterization methods used by the author in depicting Lucinda and include in your discussion the reasons that Alvarez portrays her in these particular ways.

Essay Topic 2

Sensory details are used frequently by the author in order to create vivid pictures of each character's progression through the narrative. Choose three scenes in which sensory details are heavily used and discuss how the sensory details used serve Alvarez’s purpose of creating vivid characters.

Essay Topic 3

How do the themes of deception and honesty function within the novel, and what is Alvarez's message regarding these themes?

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