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

2. What is the name of don Pedro's lawyer?

3. What does Susana's mother die of?

4. Who does don Pedro consider the leader of the revolutionaries?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What is unusual about Susana's reaction to her mother's death?

2. What frustrates don Pedro about Susana?

3. Why don't the men of Comala come to the marketplace?

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

5. What is the mission of the revolutionaries?

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

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

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

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

10. How does Fulgor compare Miguel to don Pedro?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Susana's character is revealed to the reader almost entirely through her memories and delusions as heard from her grave. Give examples of the ways in which she is revealed to be losing her mind. Do you think her madness is a protective mechanism against the forces around her or an escape from them? How does Susana's behavior affect those around her, including Father Rentería, Justina, and Pedro? Do you think that Susana is a sympathetic character? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Sorrow is seen as an omnipresent and necessary part of life in Comala. Explain the characters' experience of sorrow in each of the following examples:

- Susana's mourning of Florencio

- Dorotea's sorrow over her unborn child

- Pedro's mourning over Susana

- Abundio's mourning over his wife

What are the consequences of each of these losses? How does the sorrow affect the lives of the ones left living? Would you agree that sorrow is necessary in life? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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