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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. When Juan awakes, where does the woman say that Donis goes?

2. What does Rogelio asked young Pedro to do for him?

3. How does Abundio go deaf?

4. Whose wedding dress is Dolores invited to wear?

5. What does Juan think his mother dies of?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does the woman explain her sin during confession?

3. Describe the road to Comala.

4. Why is the priest reluctant to marry don Pedro and Dolores?

5. Describe the encounter between Father Rentería and María Dyada after Eduviges' death.

6. Why does don Pedro want to marry Dolores?

7. Why are the two women that Juan encounters in the street worried?

8. Describe the relationship between don Pedro and Dolores.

9. Why is Eduviges convinced that Juan does not meet Abundio on the road to Comala?

10. What is the deal that Abundio and Eduviges make?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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