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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Molina says, "I swear I never saw you _________ before."

2. "How could you leave then, when love was __________!"

3. Where does the woman say she is going before she meets the man?

4. "No, the man of the house and the woman of the house have to be ______ with one another."

5. What does Valentin want to do now that he is feeling better?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of desire is another larger idea in this story, with both men desiring things outside of their cell as well as within their cell.

Part 1: What are Molina's desires at the beginning of the story?

Part 2: What are Valentin's desires at the beginning of the story?

Part 3: How do the desires of the men change as the story progresses? Are some desires different? Or are desires simply added to their lives?

Essay Topic 2

Valentin is a Marxist revolutionary, a bit of a traitor for his time, but this role is not one that is unique. Very often, authors use people who are revolutionaries to show the reader someone who is colorful and someone who can be feared and admired.

Part 1: How does the reader know of Valentin's political leanings in this story?

Part 2: Does Valentin seem to be a strong supporter of his beliefs? Support your answer.

Part 3: What are Molina's political beliefs? What does this say about Molina?

Essay Topic 3

The development of the relationship between Molina and Valentin is slow and steady as the chapters pass. Puig seems to understand the realism of the relationship that does develop between these two characters.

Part 1: What makes the relationship between Molina and Valentin seem realistic?

Part 2: How does Molina encourage Valentin to be comfortable about him?

Part 3: Why do you think Valentin opens up to Molina in the way he does?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 328 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample