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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 Roberto say he enjoys when his wife and children are away?

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

3. What is heard from Roberto's room?

4. What does Paulina pretend when Gerardo comes back in the room?

5. From where has Paulina phoned the garage?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What happens when Gerardo asks Paulina for the gun?

3. What does Roberto think of Gerardo acting nice and Paulina acting mean?

4. What does the audience see after Paulina leaves the house?

5. What does Paulina say when Gerardo talks about going to the police?

6. What does Gerardo say when they realize how late it is and how does Roberto respond?

7. What relative of Roberto does Paulina mention and what does she say about this relative?

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

9. What does Gerardo tell Roberto?

10. What does Gerardo say when Paulina asks who was in the car?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Act 1, Scene 3, is an extremely brief scene without dialog, written all in stage directions. The stage is darker still, when a cloud has passed over the moon.

1. Why do you think a writer would have a scene without dialog? Use examples to support your answer.

2. What symbolism do you see in the darkness of the stage? Use examples from the play to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Some audience members may also be shocked by Paulina's act of taking off her panties and stuffing them in Roberto's mouth. It is a moment that defines the disgust she feels for him. It is also a kind of smug revenge, as we shall see in later scenes, or a display of her new-found feminine power, now that she has the upper hand.

1. Do you think the act of Paulina stuffing Roberto's mouth with her panties might indicate some of the torture she endured? Why or why not? What type of torture would it suggest? Why?

2. Paulina now has the upper-hand with a man she believes was one of her captors. Do you think doing what she is starting to do only brings her down to his level? Why or why not?

3. If you found someone you thought had imprisoned you and tortured you what would your response be?

Essay Topic 3

We get a glimpse into the depths of Roberto's character, as his anger begins to show in Act 2, Scene 1.

1. What do you think is meant by this statement? Use examples from the play to support your answer.

2. Considering how Roberto is acting do you think he is guilty? Why or why not?

3. If Roberto was innocent, do you think it would be natural for him to be angry? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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