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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 is don Lucas killed?

2. Who does Fulgor think Miguel has been with?

3. What is all that Susana wants of Florencio after his death?

4. Who comes to comfort Susana after she learns of her father's death?

5. What does Susana ask Justina if she is killed?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do Angeles and Fausta think Susana doesn't need confess her sins?

2. Why does Susana think Father Rentería has come to see her?

3. What is the mission of the revolutionaries?

4. What does Gerardo's wife tell him before he visits don Pedro?

5. Why does Father Rentería feel guilty about Miguel's crimes?

6. Why does don Pedro want Susana's father to disappear in the mines?

7. Explain Bartolomé's relationship with Susana.

8. Why doesn't Abundio's wife get last rites?

9. How does don Pedro deal with the news of Miguel's crimes?

10. Why is Fulgor Sedano happy about the rain?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Susana represents two sides of our natures: the physical and the spiritual, the body versus the soul. Susana rejects the spiritual realm and instead revels in sensual, corporeal pleasures and sensations. Give at least three examples of the text where Susana remembers a physical, bodily experience. How does her nature affect her fate? Do you think her sensual nature is at all to blame for the nature of her relationship with Pedro? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The Roman Catholic religion, as embodied by Father Rentería, is critiqued throughout the novel. What is the role of religion in the lives of the people of Comala? Does it provide a solace or is it more based on fear of damnation? Which characters are most affected by their faith? What characters are affected the least? Explain how Father Rentería is seen as both a positive and negative symbol of church. Use specific examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Pedro has very different relationships with the three sons that we meet in the novel: Juan, Abundio, and Miguel. Compare and contrast his relationship with his three sons. Address the following:

- Legitimate versus illegitimate status

- Are his sons good or evil?

- How has being the son of Pedro Páramo affected each son's life for better or worse?

After comparing and contrasting the relationship Pedro has with his three sons, explain whether or not you think Pedro is a truly evil father? Does he do anything right? Using clues from the text, describe what you think Pedro's relationship is like with his own father? How do you think this affects his relationship with his own sons?

(see the answer keys)

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