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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 animal does Pedro see at the opening of Chapter 1?

2. What does Juan have many of in his home?

3. What is one instance when the weather around Pedro's home is sad?

4. How many farms are grouped into a large estate?

5. How does the Pampas show color?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who comes to see Chúcaro?

2. What is said about Armando being spoiled and how is that demonstrated when Armando greets the mayordomo?

3. What do the gauchos love to do when they gather?

4. What is happening around Juan as he is working?

5. Who is Gitana and how does she help Chúcaro?

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

7. What does Chapter 7 describe?

8. What is the poster of a man that is hung in Juan's hut?

9. What does Pedro want his father to do?

10. What does Mr. Pizetti point out to the group about the law?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in Chucaro. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of courage in Chucaro. Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of power in Chucaro. Consider the power of the wealthy and the power that the poor workers have.

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in Chucaro. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Kalnay chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Kalnay chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Kalnay's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, clifthangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Kalnay use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 3

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Chucaro help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Chucaro? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in Chucaro to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

(see the answer keys)

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