Study Guide

1. At the beginning of the story, how old is Yvonne?

2. What is Papa's profession?

3. Why is Mama moody?  Who is her sister?

4. What are some of the details of the setting, situation and year?

5. Describe the Royal Theatre.

6. Why are Americans disliked?

7. Why were Sanny and Sumi killed?

8. Describe Esperanza's mischief.

9. Briefly tell Laydan's creation story.

10. What did Papa like to do before making a decision?

11. Why does most of the family leave Ubec for Mindanao?

12. Where does Mama have her baby?  What happens?

13. What happens to Doc Menez's family?  Why does he feel so guilty about it?

14. Who is Bongkatolan?  Why does Mama remind Yvonne of her?

15. What is the gift Yvonne receives from Laydan?

16. How do Mama, Nida, and Yvonne reach Taytayan?

17. Why does Doc decide upon crucifixion for himself?

18. How does Max react to Nida's news that she is going to have a baby?

19. Who is Cristobal?

20. Why do Gil, Max, and Papa want to return Admiral Yoshida to the Japanese?

21. Why do Mama and Nida argue after the birth of Nida's baby?

22. Why do Cristobal and Yvonne argue?

23. Why does Mama pawn her pearl ring?

24. Who liberates Ubec?

25. Describe the destruction of Ubec.

26. What do Lourdes and Mama argue about

27. Rainbow Goddess is filled with references to Philippine mythology.  What are three stories that are told in the book??

28. How do these stories relate to Esperanza?

29. How does the war affect Esperanza?

30. How does the war affect the rest of the family?  Be specific.