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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 is the significant feature of Marez blood?

2. What name does Pedro call Antonio?

3. What characteristic does Antonio's father understand about Marez blood?

4. What happened to Pedro's family?

5. Why does Antonio prefer his uncle Pedro instead of his other uncles?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is meant by the phrase "men of the earth"?

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

3. What is the significance of the river for Antonio?

4. What is special about the arrival of Ultima into the Marez home?

5. What do the Marez brothers do once they return home in Chapter 8?

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

7. What is the allure of Narcisco's garden?

8. Describe the tale of the golden carp.

9. Describe the Marez home on the first day of school.

10. Describe how Antonio becomes one of the gang?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As the reader watches Antonio mature, he undergoes several initiation rites. Explain what some of these initiation rites are in the novel. What is the most crucial test he must pass? Why is this test important?

Essay Topic 2

The setting and sensory emotions are important within Bless Me, Ultima. Describe the critical scenery, tastes and sounds raised in the novel. How do food and eating create ambiance in the story? How does the scenery add depth to the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Bless Me, Ultima is a fusion between two worlds: folklore tradition and historical fiction. Cite examples of both folklore tradition and historical fiction. How do dreams and visions play a role in the novel? Do you believe the novel is fantasy or realism? Explain why.

(see the answer keys)

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