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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 Paulina's general demeanor during this scene?

2. What does Gerardo confess to Paulina with some coaxing?

3. To what does Paulina have an aversion?

4. Where does Paulina go after rummaging through the drawer?

5. Who is on the terrace unbeknown to Gerardo and Roberto?

Short Essay Questions

1. How and when was Paulina arrested and what was she too afraid to do?

2. What does Gerardo do when he sees Roberto and what does Paulina do?

3. What does Paulina do when she comes inside the first time from talking to Gerardo on the terrace?

4. What do Gerardo and Paulina do when Schubert's Death and the Maiden begins?

5. What does Roberto say about Paulina's accusations?

6. What does Roberto say about Paulina to Gerardo and how does Gerardo respond?

7. What does Gerardo tell Roberto?

8. What does Gerardo and Paulina talk about when they go outside?

9. What does Paulina do before she leaves the house?

10. What does Paulina say when Gerardo asks if she wants him to leave her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Gerardo looks at Paulina, who does not return the look, takes her hand and looks forward.

1. What do you think this behavior of Gerardo means?

2. What might be symbolically significant that Gerardo is looking forward and Paulina is looking at Roberto?

3. Does this part of the last scene seem to imply to you that Paulina still has not healed? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Gerardo continues his plea to indulge Paulina, as she is one of many who feel they need vengeance for past wrongs.

1. Do you think this means that Gerardo has no desire for vengeance? Why or why not?

2. Vengeance can be a two edged sword. What do you think is meant by this in view of Paulina's behavior?

3. Do you think vengeance can restore peace of mind? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

By the end of Act 1, Scene 3, assuming we don't already know the story, we know that Paulina is either crazy or desperate. Perhaps it is a combination of both.

1. Do you think Paulina is crazy? Why or why not? Support your answer with examples from the text.

2. Do you think a person can be crazy and still live as normally as Paulina lives? Why or why not?

3. Why might desperation look like mental illness? Use examples to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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