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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 are the slaves sent to do towards the end of chapter one?

2. How does Bernarda spend her time after Judas's death?

3. Whom does Don Ygnacio meet on his way back from visiting a man with rabies?

4. Why do Bernarda and Ygnacio marry?

5. What does the Bishop consider Dr. Abrenuncio?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the character of the Bishop.

2. What sort of man does Don Ygnacio appear to be in Chapter 1?

3. How does the friendship between Ygnacio and Dr. Abrenuncio begin?

4. Why does Sierva lie to Dr. Abrenuncio?

5. How does Bernarda force the Marquis into marriage?

6. Why does the Marquis give his daughter to the Holy Office?

7. Why does Olivia escape from the madhouse and what is the result?

8. Describe Bernarda's relationship with Judas.

9. Why must the convent not cut Sierva's hair?

10. What does Dr. Abrenuncio believe about Sierva and her brush with rabies and what treatment does he recommend?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Consider the paradox of Sierva being subjected to a torturous exorcism so that other characters may rid themselves of their own demons. Citing specific examples from the text, write an essay discussing one of the following:

- What is her family's role in her behavior and her subsequent imprisonment?

- The Bishop's perceived failure to keep everyone faithful to the church.

- The Abbess's extreme distaste for the citizens of New Grenada.

Essay Topic 2

Sierva asks her father if love can truly conquer all. His response is that, while it can, it would be best if she did not believe it. Citing specific examples from the text, discuss the statement within the overall context of this novel. How does this statement ring true for Sierva? How does it fail? Does it appear that she believes love can conquer all? In the end, does it? Provide thorough explanations for each statement.

Essay Topic 3

Citing specific examples from the text and including a strong thesis, discuss the use of Sierva as a "blank slate" for all the other characters, including the following:

- Attributes assigned to her by other people.

- Cayetano's obsession and love for her.

- Her neglectful childhood.

- Her affiliation with the slaves and their culture.

- The author's intent in leaving Sierva's personality a mystery.

(see the answer keys)

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