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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 Susana want Justina to leave?

2. Why does Dorotea come to Media Luna each morning?

3. When does Miguel first begin having girls procured for him?

4. What do the revolutionaries get tired of?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why is Villalpando in such a bad mood?

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

5. Why doesn't don Pedro's lawyer continue holding his papers after he leaves?

6. Why is Fulgor Sedano happy about the rain?

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

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

9. Why does Dorotea say she is no longer interested in the sky?

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

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

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?

Essay Topic 3

Juan's descent into Comala is like an ascension into hell. Later the reader learns that Comala's dead remain in the town as a purgatory. Select three of the following characters and explain why their ghosts are stuck in Comala:

- Dorotea

- Eduviges

- Susana

- Juan

- Abundio

Address how each of their stories help the reader learn more about Pedro and his life.

(see the answer keys)

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