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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 don Pedro do to memorialize Susana's death?

2. What does don Pedro give the lawyer for his troubles?

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

4. Who kills Fulgor?

5. Who is the first person in line at confession in Comala?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. When the reader first hears Susana's narrative, where does she think she is?

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

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

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

6. What happens during Father Rentería's confession?

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

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

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

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

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

The women in the novel are very vulnerable characters who often are at the mercy of evil, controlling men. Select at least three of the following characters and analyze their place in the context of the novel:

- Dolores

- Eduviges

- Susana

- Damiana

- Donis' sister

Addressing the following questions:

- How does the character react to her fate?

- How is the character motivated by factors related to her gender?

- How do other characters treat her?

- Overall, do you think women are totally powerless in the novel? 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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