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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 tactic does Yo use in order to attempt to get out of her lease?

2. Whom does Dexter meet by the swimming pool at Yo's family's compound?

3. In what state does Yo meet Marie and Clair?

4. How does Yo meet her future husband Doug?

5. What do Yo and Marie do with Clair's belongings?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Yo's status in the Dominican Republic as an adult.

2. To what phrase does Yo have a strong reaction during her conversation with Jose?

3. How does Alvarez depict the effects of the cycle of abuse within the novel?

4. In what way does Alvarez set up the United States and the Dominican Republic as foil settings?

5. With what elements of Yo's personality is Jose uncomfortable?

6. For how many weeks has Clair been away at the time Yo comes to live as a tenant in Marie and Clair's home?

7. Name three different reasons Jose wants to give his next child to Yo.

8. Discuss a time in the text when Tammy displays the effects of past physical abuse.

9. For what reason does Yo come to join Tammy in bed within the chapter entitled "The Best Friend"?

10. What element does Alvarez depict as the main reason for the split between Yo and Dexter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the instances of irony within the narrative of Julia Alvarez's novel Yo! and analyze the author's purpose for including each instance you discuss.

Essay Topic 2

In what ways does Julia Alvarez portray the profession of writer within the novel Yo!?

Essay Topic 3

Write a critical essay about Julia Alvarez's novel Yo! while using the critical power theory lens of Marxist theory. Use textual evidence to back up your strong, specific claim regarding the novel's treatment of issues such as socioeconomic status, hierarchies, wealth, class, or any other issues related to Marxist theory that can be found in the novel.

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