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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. At what time did the General always begin the day?

2. What does Patricio Aragnoes drink in order to forget how to read and write?

3. What does the General bring to Manuela Sanchez?

4. Why does the General become uneasy after the palace is sacked?

5. Which group comes to investigate the disappearance of the children?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to the Defense Minister?

2. Which group is the exception to the General's rebuilding policy?

3. Why does the General stop appearing in the city alongside the group of senators?

4. Describe the General's relationship with his mother

5. Who were the Federalists?

6. What is accomplished at the meeting between the Minister of Health, the Minister of Defense, Manuela Sanchez, and the General?

7. How does Patricio Aragones become the General's double?

8. How does Manuela Sanchez respond to the appearance of the comet?

9. After the U.S. occupiers leave, why is Bendicion Alvarado unhappy?

10. Why are the wild parrots exterminated by the Secret police?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Jose Ignacio Saenz de la Barra, Garcia Marquez provides a significant foil for the General. Discuss the similarities and the contrast between these rivals for the Presidency. Some points of comparison might include each individual's use of violence or terror to control the public, the use of treachery or deceit to gain power, or the relative competence of each individual to perform the task of political leadership. Which is better suited to lead the nation? Provide evidence from the text to support your assertions.

Essay Topic 2

Throughout the novel, Garcia Marquez introduces subtle commentary on the U.S. presence in Latin America. Identify the moments in which Garcia Marquez introduces his critique and discuss how he integrates it into the text. What is his central message concerning U.S. intervention or interference in Latin American politics? Which characters or events most consistently bolster this critique? Be sure to bolster your argument with details from the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout the novel, General Saturno Santos is referred to as "the Indian." How does Garcia Marquez treat the indigenous culture and people of "the nation"? Why is Santos consistently referred to as the Indian? How does this character reflect on the indigenous people of "the nation"? Be sure to consider the colonial history of the nation and its effect on the people.

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This section contains 900 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample