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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 long does it take for the narrator of the chapter entitled "The Cousin" to hear back from the person to whom she writes?

2. How is Carlos related to the narrator of the Prologue?

3. Whose ashes does Garfield keep in a box inside his garden?

4. What is the first name of Professor Garfield, Yo's mentor?

5. The first letter Garfield ever writes for Yo is for her pursuit of what endeavor?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Provide three points along the timeline of Sarita's childhood and adolescence.

3. With which of her four daughters does Mami not get along?

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

5. What secret does the narrator of the Prologue's gloomy sister give to the narrator?

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

7. What is the significance of the phrase "You are the one who knows" (125) throughout the text?

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

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

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

Analyze the author's focus on the theme of adaptability in Julia Alvarez's novel Yo!. What message is Alvarez sending about change and about one other theme of your choice?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the reasons why Julia Alvarez's novel Yo! uses many different narrators to relay the events of the narrative. What elements of the novel's themes lend themselves to this choice and what is Alvarez's intended effect on the reader?

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