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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 Luis Cervantes' old acquaintance think of the revolution now?

2. How do the rebels refer to their loot?

3. Why does Demetrio Macias think his hiding place is safe?

4. What does the leader of the Federal soldiers intend to do with the bandits of Demetrio Macias?

5. What does Quail have nightmares about?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Luis Cervantes begin to suspect that he has made another mistake?

2. Why does Demetrio Macias order Quail to steal a priest's cassock?

3. How do the rebels refer to their opponents and why?

4. Why is Alberto Solis surprised to see Luis Cervantes in Zacatecas?

5. What does Luis Cervantes try to persuade Demetrio Macias to do as they approach the town where they are planning to attack the Federal soldiers?

6. What kind of atmosphere is created as the rebels loot bodies of the soldiers they have killed?

7. Who are Serapio and Antonio?

8. Why does Luis Cervantes say he has come to join Demetrio Macias?

9. How does the author describe the Sierra?

10. How did General Natera react to Demetrio Macias' arrival in Zacatecas?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Using the information given in the foreword, write an essay explaining the progress of the revolution. What happened after the defeat of Huerta? Where does this story fit into the time line of the revolution? How much time is covered during this story?

Essay Topic 2

In the story, much is made of Luis Cervantes' ability to read, write, and deliver speeches. What differences does his education make to him? To those around him? How does it affect the outcome of his life?

Essay Topic 3

How did Azuela acquire his knowledge about the revolution? Was he a primary or a secondary source of information, and what difference does it make? In your essay, take a position for or against the importance of first-hand knowledge in writing historical fiction.

(see the answer keys)

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