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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. The General, in the "feminine splendor" of his death, is compared to which public figure?

2. How had President Lauturo Munoz risen to power?

3. What is Death wearing when she arrives?

4. Bendicion's funeral crown is made from which of the following flowers?

5. What name does Death use to refer to the General?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Leticia Nazareno's relationship with the General begin?

2. How are the creditors treated when they arrive at the palace?

3. Describe the first assassination attempt against the General's wife and son.

4. Describe the successful assassination attempt.

5. After he has finished with the school girl, how does the General deal with her?

6. How does the General learn how to read?

7. Describe the circumstances under which the General meets Leticia Nazareno.

8. Why does the General order the Church and its clergy to be expelled from the nation and how is this accomplished?

9. What happens to Monsignor Demetrius Aldous as he concludes his investigation of the General's mother?

10. Why does the General's plan to overthrow the U.S. forces fail?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the way in which Gabriel Garcia Marquez treats politics and dictatorships in the novel. What is he saying about dictatorship? Does his General resemble any historical dictators? If so, what effect does this resemblance have on the purpose of the book? Be sure to provide specific evidence from the text as you write your essay.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the novel, Garcia Marquez sets up a marked contrast between history and memory. In various instances in the novel, the official versions deviate greatly from the remembered histories. Why, do you think, Garcia Marquez creates so many discrepancies? Discuss Garcia Marquez's commentary on the nature of truth, history and memory. Provide evidence from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Death is a consistent motif throughout the entire novel. Main characters die gruesome deaths and the General's death is described in vivid detail throughout the novel. How does death, especially the General's repeated deaths, play into the novel as a whole? Consider the repetition of the moments of death as well as the death imagery which pervades the novel. Be sure to focus your critique on specific evidence from the novel.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 866 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample