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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 the only condition the General places on Jose Ignacio Saenz de la Barra?

2. Who does the U.S. send in to carry out the punishment?

3. What adorns the General's chest, as his body lies on the banquet table?

4. What happened to the cause of Bendicion Alvarado?

5. What is the first ceremony performed after Emanuel's birth?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the General learn how to read?

2. Describe Jose Ignacio Saenz de la Barra.

3. At the end of his life, how does the General feel about power?

4. Explain the significance of yellow fever to the General's position as president.

5. Describe the successful assassination attempt.

6. What does Bendicion Alvarado try to tell the General as she is dying?

7. How are the creditors treated when they arrive at the palace?

8. Describe the occurrence the General believes to be a miracle.

9. Who is actually running the government by the end of Chapter 5?

10. How does Jose Ignacio Saenz de la Barra attempt to undermine the General?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Garcia Marquez handle violence in this novel? Why do so many characters meet such violent--often undeserved--ends? Think, for instance, of the two thousand children under the age of seven. Is this violence gratuitous, or does it contribute to a greater political statement? Support your answers using evidence from the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the significance of the animal imagery in the novel. How does Marquez use animals to create an effect? What is this effect? Consider images such as the cow saluting the nation from the balcony in your response. Be sure to bolster your argument with support from the novel.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss gender and sexual relations in this novel. How does Garcia Marquez deal with sex, sexuality, and gender dynamics? Consider the multiple rapes, the dynamic between the General and his mother, the dynamic between the General and Manuela, and the dynamic between the General and Leticia. Integrate material from the text to support your assertions.

(see the answer keys)

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