“Two Words” by Isabel Allende
Instructions - answer the following questions on lined paper, using
examples or quotations to support your answers.
1. In what ways are the life experiences of Belisa Crepusculario, El
Mulato, and the Colonel similar?
2. Even though Belisa Crepusculario, El Mulato, and the Colonel
share common experiences, they deal with them in very different ways. Identify how the
soldiers cope differently from Belisa. What do these differences tell us about the
personalities of these three characters?
3. In your own words explain how and why the Colonel wants to change his life.
4. Why would a man such as the Colonel appeal to Belisa? What does she hope for him?
5. Explain how the author develops suspense in the story by referring to at least two
specific examples. Then, explain the effect this suspense has on readers.
6. Review they types of Plot Structure we have studied in class. Explain what type of
structure this story has, and the effect this type of structure has on readers.
7. A Symbol is something that represents something else. In this story, water is mentioned
twice. Provide a quotation for each use. Explain what you think the water symbolizes.
8. Identify one example of each of the following literary devices:
a. simile
b. metaphor
c. personification
Then, explain what the device adds to the story or how it helps the reader in some way.
9. One of Scott Russell Sanders’ reasons why we’ll always need a good story is that stories
are a playground for language. One aspect of this reason is that words are powerful in
some way. In Two Words, we read about how Belisa Crepusculario uses language
(words) in various ways. Explain at least two ways language (words) is empowering for
Belisa.