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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 does Damiana say she hears "night after night"?

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

3. What is sitting next to Juan when he wakes up?

4. What does the boy's mother say happens to him if he stays too long in the privy?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does the woman tell Juan about the roads leaving from Comala?

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

4. Describe the road to Comala.

5. What does the woman think is wrong with the other woman?

6. Describe the relationship between don Pedro and Dolores.

7. Why does Eduviges and Dolorita promise to die together?

8. How do Pedro and Dolores part ways?

9. Why is Father Rentería conflicted after Miguel's death?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

The weather is a major part of how Rulfo develops his narrative. Find at least three examples from the novel where the weather, specifically the rain, heat, and wind, builds up the narrative tension in the story. What emotions do the weather conditions reflect or symbolize? How does the weather mirror what is going on with the plot?

Essay Topic 3

The love relationships between the characters in the novel are depicted both positively and negatively. For each of the following relationships, explain whether you think it is a positive or negative depiction of romantic love:

- Donis and his sister

- Susana and Florencio

- Dolores and Pedro

- Susana and Pedro

- Abundio and his wife

What do you think Rulfo is trying to say about romantic love based on his description of these relationships? Do you think he believes in the power of romantic love to provide solace in people's lives? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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