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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 does Horse gain his nickname?

2. What name does Pedro call Antonio?

3. How often does Antonio see his brothers once they returned from war?

4. What do Antonio and his family see when they pass Rosie's house?

5. During Antonio's dream in Chapter 7, what do his brothers see in their travels both east and west?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did Antonio's parents decide in Chapter 22 that Antonio would be doing the rest of the summer?

2. What is the importance of the scapular?

3. What is the significance of Ultima's blessing before Antonio leaves for school?

4. Describe the relationship between Antonio's mother (Maria) and father (Gabriel).

5. Describe the events surrounding the curse of Lucas.

6. Describe the ultimatum between Tenorio, his men, Narcisco and Anotnio's father.

7. What happens after the Marez brothers confront their mother and father in Chapter 9?

8. Describe the sights and sounds of harvest time in El Puerto.

9. Why was the owl special to Antonio?

10. Why is Florence's confession shocking to the other school children?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Shamanism is based on the belief that the visible world is pervaded by invisible forces or spirits that affect the lives of the living. In shamanism, certain animals guide or give power to that person. What types of power or guiding do you believe is transferred to humans? What examples of shamanism are included in the novel? Aside from animals, what other examples of shamanism are cited in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Rudolfo Anaya centers Bless Me, Ultima around the central theme of tension. One example is the mneumonic tension between Antonio's parents, the sea versus the earth. What are other examples of tension throughout the novel? Examine the symbols of tension between good and evil.

Essay Topic 3

Maria, Antonio's mother, is a deeply pious woman raised in a family with a strong attachment to the land. Ultima is la curandera who is blessed with supernatural healing powers. Which of these two women has a stronger relationship with Tony? How do these women compliment each other? How do these two women play conflicting roles for Antonio?

(see the answer keys)

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