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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 are the people who come from Apango doing in Comala?

2. What does Dorotea say Susana does, "even when she is alive"?

3. What is don Lucas doing when he is killed?

4. When Justina is in the marketplace, what is her complaint?

5. What does Father Rentería do after Susana's death?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the memory Susana has in the grave that Juan and Dorotea overhear.

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

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

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

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

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

7. What is the mission of the revolutionaries?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Don Pedro and Father Rentería are two different examples of characters dealing with the consequences of their actions. Don Pedro seems to live a guiltless life without regret, while Father Rentería is consumed by guilt. Compare and contrast the two characters based on the following:

- What actions in their lives most affect the two characters?

- How do they deal with the consequences of their actions

- Who do you think is the more sympathetic of the characters? Why?

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

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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