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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 chapter entitled "The Landlady" ends with Marie and Yo sitting in what location as they wait for Clair to return home?

2. What is the source of the liquid that ruins many of Yo's writings within Marie and Clair's home?

3. What is the title of the chapter that focuses on Marie and Clair?

4. What is the meaning of the Spanish word "maldita" (245)?

5. How does Yo meet her future husband Doug?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Alvarez depict the effects of the cycle of abuse within the novel?

2. What is the function of Dexter's character within the novel?

3. What element does Alvarez depict as the main reason for the split between Yo and Dexter?

4. In what way does the theme of racial prejudice arise within the first conversation between Marie and Yo?

5. Discuss Dexter's metaphor of the caged "bright bird" (204).

6. Discuss the ways in which the characters of Yo and Dexter differ.

7. In what way is the theme of rebirth demonstrated within the chapter entitled "The Landlady"?

8. What observation does Doug's pastor make about Yo at her wedding and why is it significant?

9. In what type of group do Yo and Tammy meet?

10. What observation of Yo's causes Tammy to burst into tears within the chapter entitled "The Best Friend"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss the author's messages about guilt and responsibility within Julia Alvarez's novel Yo!.

Essay Topic 3

Write a critical essay about Julia Alvarez's novel Yo! while using the critical power theory lens of Marxist theory. Use textual evidence to back up your strong, specific claim regarding the novel's treatment of issues such as socioeconomic status, hierarchies, wealth, class, or any other issues related to Marxist theory that can be found in the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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