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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 does Juan do differently from usual concerning one of his kerchiefs?

2. What does Juan do one day when he says he is happy?

3. Who is Chúcaro?

4. What do most people remember seeing in Juan's house?

5. What type of vegetables do gauchos eat?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Juan's response to the first lasso attempt and why is the second lasso attempt delayed?

2. What does a mayordomo do?

3. What does Pedro want his father to do?

4. Who is the mayordomo to whom Juan is accountable?

5. What is the most important postcard Juan has?

6. What does Maria think about Juan and his red kerchief?

7. What does the Vaquero suggest about the situation with Chúcaro?

8. What plan does the group come up with in order to decide who gets to keep Chúcaro?

9. What does Armando do after his second lasso attempt?

10. What do Juan, Carlos and Pedro note about the Pizzetti family and what do the three do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Pedro and Armando. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Juan and the Vaquero. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in Chucaro help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Chucaro and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Chucaro is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Muñez did not realize that his son Armando was terrible spoiled. In fact, he had paid little attention to his son. Armando's mother was worn out of taking care of him, so she focused on helping others while she let Armando's tutors tend to him.

1. Discuss what you see are the failings in a father who does not realize his son is spoiled. Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

2. What are some of the effects that might be seen in Armando as a person from his father ignoring him. Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

3. Discuss the ways in which Pedro, who has Juan, a guardian who pays a great deal of attention to him, has a better life than Armando. Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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