Isabel Allende explores the lives of three generations of women seeking to break free from the control of the authoritarian family patriarch, Esteban Trueba. Concurrently, the novel portrays the chaotic political landscape of a nation that mirrors Allende's homeland, Chile.

1. Read Gabriel Garcia Marquez's novel One Hundred Years of Solitude, which is frequently compared to The House of the Spirits. Note the similarities and differences between the two works. In an essay, discuss whether Allende's novel stands as more than just an imitation of Garcia Marquez's work. Use specific examples to support your argument.

2. Investigate the history of Chile under Salvador Allende's administration. Create a month-by-month timeline highlighting significant events—such as strikes or congressional actions—that contributed to the collapse of his government. In a different color, add events from the novel that correspond to these historical developments.

3. Conduct online research to gather domestic violence statistics from various countries and cultures worldwide. For each selected country, also find information on the laws protecting women's legal rights. Create a chart with your findings. Analyze whether there is a correlation between women's legal status and domestic violence. Present your conclusions in a brief essay.

4. Gabriel Garcia Marquez has mentioned that the secret to writing in the magical realist style is to describe fantastic events with a completely "straight face." Choose an ordinary topic, such as a day at school or a gathering with friends, and attempt to write your own short story in the magical realism style.

5. In The House of the Spirits, the character Clara exhibits mental abilities such as predicting the future (clairvoyance), moving objects (telekinesis), and communicating without speaking (telepathy). Research the history of extrasensory perception (ESP). Write an essay comparing past scientific studies on ESP with current beliefs held by researchers.