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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 do the women in the town notice about Susana's window?

2. What is don Lucas doing when he is killed?

3. Who does Justina think is in Susana's room?

4. Why don't the women want Susana to die?

5. What does Susana ask Justina if she is killed?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the mission of the revolutionaries?

2. Why does Father Rentería feel guilty about Miguel's crimes?

3. What happens between don Pedro and Damiana when she is a girl?

4. Why does Susana reject Father Rentería in her last living moments?

5. How does don Pedro deal with Susana's death?

6. How does don Pedro avenge his father's death?

7. Why is Villalpando in such a bad mood?

8. Describe the night Susana learns of Florencio's death.

9. Why is Fulgor Sedano happy about the rain?

10. What happens during Father Rentería's confession?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Don Pedro and Father Rentería are two different examples of characters dealing with the consequences of their actions. Don Pedro seems to live a guiltless life without regret, while Father Rentería is consumed by guilt. Compare and contrast the two characters based on the following:

- What actions in their lives most affect the two characters?

- How do they deal with the consequences of their actions

- Who do you think is the more sympathetic of the characters? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Susana's character is revealed to the reader almost entirely through her memories and delusions as heard from her grave. Give examples of the ways in which she is revealed to be losing her mind. Do you think her madness is a protective mechanism against the forces around her or an escape from them? How does Susana's behavior affect those around her, including Father Rentería, Justina, and Pedro? Do you think that Susana is a sympathetic character? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

The weather is a major part of how Rulfo develops his narrative. Find at least three examples from the novel where the weather, specifically the rain, heat, and wind, builds up the narrative tension in the story. What emotions do the weather conditions reflect or symbolize? How does the weather mirror what is going on with the plot?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 700 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample