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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 is all that Susana wants of Florencio after his death?

2. How long does don Pedro wait for Susana's return?

3. What are the only fruits that Father Rentería has been able to grow?

4. Who comes down from Apango?

5. What happens in Comala after Susana's death?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the night Susana learns of Florencio's death.

2. Explain Bartolomé's relationship with Susana.

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

4. What happens during Father Rentería's confession?

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

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

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

8. What deal does don Pedro make with Susana's father?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 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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