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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 are Dr. Urbino's last words in reference to?

2. Where is the first place that Fermina Daza and Florentino come face to face?

3. What "punishment" was inflicted upon Dr. Urbino during the argument over the soap in the bathroom?

4. Why did his lover help him?

5. In what way do the hymns which Florentino is playing during Mass change during his period of illness?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the author mean with the phrase "abyss of disenchantment"?

2. What is Leona Cassiani to Florentino?

3. What does Florentino document in twenty-five notebooks?

4. Where does Florentino see dead bodies?

5. How long is forever in Florentino's world?

6. What causes Fermina to feel a growing rage every time she thinks of it?

7. Who introduced public health measures to help curb the cholera epidemic?

8. What does Florentino fear will put an end to his plans to win over Fermina?

9. What books does Florentino hope to have published?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often in this novel, Florentino pledged his eternal fidelity and everlasting love, yet he had endless sexual adventures. Explain how the two can co-exist. Use examples from the text to support your statements.

Essay Topic 2

Do you believe this story had a happy ending? Why or why not? Use specific details from the book to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

In this novel, characters commit suicide or think about committing suicide. Describe events and ideas that occur throughout the novel which may have led these characters to commit suicide. Be specific and detailed in your writing.

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This section contains 543 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample