View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of the following is the best definition for the term paradoxically as used to describe the narrator's telling of the trivial matters of domestic life that nearly caused the strong bond between husband and wife to disintegrate?

2. Which term best describes how Florentino lost his virginity?

3. Why did Dr. Urbino's death cause much grief and an official time of mourning?

4. Which of the following is an antonym for the word ignominious as it is used to describe the manner of Dr. Urbino's death?

5. How many years were Fermina and Dr. Urbino married when the soap in the bathroom incident occurred?

Short Essay Questions

1. When was the time that Fermina and Dr. Urbino loved each other best?

2. Why did the disabled man take his own life?

3. What does Dr. Urbino associate the scent from cyanide with?

4. What is the overriding theme of this novel?

5. What does Florentino use as weapons in the battle to win over Fermina?

6. What does Florentino's uncle claim there must be in order for there to be love?

7. How does Dr. Urbino die?

8. Why did Dr. Urbino decide to marry Fermina?

9. What is found in the letter that Florentino finds on his stoop?

10. What does it mean when it is said that the man had questionable business dealings?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Dr. Urbino and Fermina did not marry for love. Do you believe a meaningful marriage can be had when love is not involved? Support your opinion with real-life examples and information from the text.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the purpose of including the intestinal discomfort Florentino experienced often throughout the novel.

Essay Topic 3

The author often uses a light tone when writing. However, the narrator is also often quite harsh when making comments on the characters. Describe why this difference might exist. Use details from the text to enhance your description.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 544 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample