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. The twins did not try to convince Angela to marry Bayardo San Roman because:

2. Why does Placida Linero believe that the bishop won't get off the boat?

3. Santiago's statement about his own wedding is ironic because:

4. The Poncio twins lifting their sister by the waist and demanding an answer from her suggests what about her character?

5. On the day of his death, why was Santiago was unarmed?

Short Essay Questions

1. What might Poncio Vicario's blindness suggest about him?

2. What does Bayardo San Roman's treatment of Pura Vicario suggest about his character?

3. How are the twins persuaded to put off the murder until after the bishop's visit?

4. What is ironic about the chest of letters Flora Miguel returns to Santiago Nasar.

5. The contrasting motifs of youth and old age suggest what about the characters' values?

6. The fact that Santiago Nasar never turns on the light in his bedroom, but instead stays in the dark, might symbolize what idea?

7. What is suggested by the phrase, "My sister felt the angel pass by?"

8. Aside from the code of honor exhibited by the Vicario twins, what other family values are exhibited in the book?

9. Explain the reason for the murder plot.

10. What contrasting characteristics does Santiago have?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The setting of the novel is often described merely as "Caribbean." What connotations or associations with the word "Caribbean" might readers have that affect their understanding of the novels events? How does the author use these connotations to explain, justify, or clarify the events and themes of the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Consider the magistrate's note, "Give me a prejudice and I will move the world." Write an essay in which you connect the statement to the events of the novel, identifying the prejudices that motivate the characters and contribute to the themes of the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Consider Garcia Marquez' use of names in the text. What does the author communicate through the name of any character or characters? Create an essay in which you explore Garcia' Marquez' symbolic use of names in the novel.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,060 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample