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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. The widower Xius' house and his possessions are symbolic of what?

2. Maria Alejandrina Cervantes' house appears to be:

3. Margo insists that Santiago:

4. Victoria Guzman has reason to distrust Santiago because:

5. After Santiago's death, Placida Linero consoles herself by looking over the balcony at what?

Short Essay Questions

1. Underneath the "proper" appearances of the characters in this chapter, many ugly truths lie. What does this suggest about the townspeople?

2. What might be the author's purpose in saving the details of the murder for the last chapter?

3. Angela's role in her family household suggests what about a typical woman in that town?

4. Aside from the code of honor exhibited by the Vicario twins, what other family values are exhibited in the book?

5. The narrator's brother seems to foretell Santiago's death as well. Why is this significant?

6. What is significant about those who claim it was raining on the morning of the murder, and those who claim it was not?

7. What does Bayardo San Roman's treatment of Pura Vicario suggest about his character?

8. What does the magistrate's note, "fatality makes us invisible," imply?

9. What is suggested by the mention of starch in relation to Santiago and Poncio Vicario? Santiago cannot stand starch in his clothes, while Poncio Vicario's shirt is so heavily starched it stands up by itself.

10. Describe the Arab community's reaction to Santiago's death.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Consider Garcia Marquez' use of names in the text. What does the author communicate through the name of any character or characters? Create an essay in which you explore Garcia' Marquez' symbolic use of names in the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Women in "Chronicle of a Death Foretold" seem to have limited power. Consider the situations in which women exercise power in the novel, and write an essay in which you identify a possible theme the author communicates through women in positions of power.

Essay Topic 3

The last line of any piece of writing can deliver or reinforce a powerful message. In the first three chapters, the author uses the last line to name Santiago Nasar and seal his fate as dead or destined to die. What message or purpose does repeating this idea serve?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 988 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample