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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. Why does Dorotea come to Media Luna each morning?

2. In what month does Susana die?

3. What does Damiana hear that reminds her of the Devil?

4. What does don Pedro tell the revolutionaries who come asking for money?

5. Who is the shot that kills don Lucas intended for?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Susana reject Father Rentería in her last living moments?

3. What frustrates don Pedro about Susana?

4. What happens during Father Rentería's confession?

5. What does doña Inés want Abundio to tell his dead wife?

6. What does Justina tell Susana she is going to tell don Pedro when he comes?

7. What does Father Rentería describe to Susana as she lay dying?

8. What happens when the revolutionaries come to don Pedro's house?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"Pedro Páramo" has several structural elements that appear often in Modernist and Surrealist literature. Explain how the novel uses the following:

- Circular narrative

- Stories within stories

- Setting shifts

How do each of these contribute to the development of the plot.

Essay Topic 2

In the novel, Pedro thinks: "Nothing can last forever. There isn't any memory, no matter how intense, that doesn't fade out at last" (95). Do you agree with this? Cite evidence from the text that supports your conclusion. Do any of the memories that affect the characters lives fade out? Which memories do not fade away? How do these memories affect the characters' fates?

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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