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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 do the women of Magda's family feel they do not appreciate anymore?

2. What is the name of the zoo animal that Magda and her classmates watch being born?

3. What does Senor Ruben wear to work everyday?

4. How does Lilita make a living?

5. What do Emilia and Magda naively collect from the river?

Short Essay Questions

1. What realization does Magda make that has her joining the Tupamaros?

2. Why does Mamacita bring Magda to her home?

3. Why does Marco object to Jaime being in Magda's life?

4. Describe the story Josefa tells Magda.

5. Why does Magda lie to Gabriela about having a large breakfast?

6. What does Emilia find strange about Americans?

7. What does Mamasita ask Magda about Jaime, and what conclusions can be drawn from Magda's answer?

8. Why does Wentworth have Emilia arrested?

9. What is significant about Marco and Magda's correspondence?

10. Describe Magda and Emilia's fishing spot.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Mr. and Mrs. Allenberg fear that their daughter will face persecution for her religion as they did in Europe during World War II. Discuss the author's method of introducing the most infamous genocide in history to the story that takes place in Uruguay. Be sure to discuss the following points:

1) The similarities between the Uruguayan government and the regime that persecuted the Jewish people.

2) What the aim of each government is in their actions.

3) The willingness or unwillingness of other citizens to let the persecution continue.

Essay Topic 2

This novel draws a lot of inspiration from true events and even brings in historical characters. Discuss the use of historical characters in this novel (Geoffrey Jackson, Dan Mitrione and Che Guevara). What do these real-life men add to the fictional novel? Does it seem likely that Magda would be involved with each one of them? Why or why not? What is the author's reasoning in drawing in real-life people to a fictional story? Cite specific examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Describe the intense difference in classes in Montevideo. Which characters are the upper class? Which characters are the lower class? Why are there so few wealthy people and so many poor people in Montevideo? Cite specific examples from the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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