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

2. What does Abundio want from don Pedro?

3. Why can't Bartolomé's body be brought back to be buried?

4. After learning what has happened to Miguel, what does don Pedro order to be done?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. How does don Pedro deal with Susana's death?

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

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

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

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

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

7. What frustrates don Pedro about Susana?

8. Explain Bartolomé's relationship with Susana.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Rulfo uses the historical context of the 1910-1920 Mexican Civil War to frame his novel. Based on what you learn about the Revolution and on your reading of the novel, do you think this revolution is a true revolution of the peasants or is it based on other less lofty ideals? Explain Pedro's, El Tilcuate's and Father Rentería's role in the Revolution. What does each of their roles in the Revolution reveal about their character?

Essay Topic 3

The love relationships between the characters in the novel are depicted both positively and negatively. For each of the following relationships, explain whether you think it is a positive or negative depiction of romantic love:

- Donis and his sister

- Susana and Florencio

- Dolores and Pedro

- Susana and Pedro

- Abundio and his wife

What do you think Rulfo is trying to say about romantic love based on his description of these relationships? Do you think he believes in the power of romantic love to provide solace in people's lives? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 800 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample