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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. Whom do Magda and Emilia stop to help during the riot?

2. What does Lilita do that upsets Emilia?

3. What does Magda admire about her best friend?

4. Whom does Magda see sneaking over to Senora Francisca's house?

5. What is shocking about the woman who comes to the barrio?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is scandalous about una casa de cita in Chapter 3?

2. Who is Basco?

3. Ultimately, what are the fates of Magda and Marco at the end of this novel?

4. How is Montevideo described in Chapter 2?

5. Why does Emilia no longer want to be around Cora?

6. What does the taxi driver say that helps Magda after Jaime's death, and why does it affect her?

7. What do Magda and Emilia's mothers do for Gabriela?

8. What does Emilia tell Magda about her idea to play pranks?

9. What is Magda's assignment with the Tupas after the work she did on the British ambassador?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Halfway through the novel, Magda is sexually assaulted by a police officer after a riot breaks out at Che's speech. Why does the author choose to take this route with Magda? How does it change the character? What does the attack on Magda mean in the overall context of the government's abuse of the Uruguayans?

Essay Topic 2

This novel gives a strong sense of the Uruguayan culture as it was during the revolution of the '60s. Discuss what you have learned about the culture from this novel, citing specific examples. Be sure to include the following:

1) Carnival.

2) Fiesta de quince.

3) Piropos.

4) Religion.

5) Class differences.

Essay Topic 3

Magda's imprisonment takes place over several months. Although she is never physically harmed, she nearly loses her mind from the isolation and the constant sounds of people being tortured. Detail Magda's time in prison and how it affects her. How does she survive? Is what she goes through any worse or better than the other prisoners? Why or why not? Is Magda particularly strong to have survived or lucky? Cite specific examples from the text to support the arguments.

(see the answer keys)

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