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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 Juan and the burro driver have in common?

2. Why can't the boy's family buy a new mill?

3. What makes Ana unsure of who rapes her?

4. What happens to Pedro's father?

5. Whose wedding dress is Dolores invited to wear?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the memory Pedro has of Susana as he sits in the privy.

2. What are the two men who Juan hears in the street discussing?

3. Why does Juan's mother hate having her picture taken?

4. What is Dorotea's first dream?

5. Explain Miguel Paramo's fate.

6. Why does don Pedro want to marry Dolores?

7. What does the burro driver tell Juan about how don Pedro treats women?

8. How does what happens to Toribio Aldrete confirm don Pedro's immoral behavior?

9. What does Damiana tell Juan about Comala?

10. What does the woman tell Juan about nights in Comala?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The women in the novel are very vulnerable characters who often are at the mercy of evil, controlling men. Select at least three of the following characters and analyze their place in the context of the novel:

- Dolores

- Eduviges

- Susana

- Damiana

- Donis' sister

Addressing the following questions:

- How does the character react to her fate?

- How is the character motivated by factors related to her gender?

- How do other characters treat her?

- Overall, do you think women are totally powerless in the novel? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

One of the themes that runs through the novel is the nature of redemption and hope in a person's life. Select one of the following characters and explain what gives them hope during their lives:

- Juan

- Pedro

- Susana

- Dolores

- Dorotea

Address how (or if) they are able to find any sort of redemption in the afterlife. How do you know this from the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Explain why you think "Pedro Páramo" is an example of Magical Realism. Using specific examples of the text, address the following themes:

- Use of the supernatural

- Realistic aspects

- Extraordinary occurring at the same time as the ordinary

Explain why you think Rulfo uses this style to tell his story. What does the Magical Realism genre allow him to do as an author?

(see the answer keys)

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