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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. Why can't the boy's family buy a new mill?

2. What happens to Pedro's father?

3. What sin is the woman guilty of?

4. What do Juan and the burro driver have in common?

5. What is sitting next to Juan when he wakes up?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Dorotea's second dream?

2. Why does Fulgor end up working with don Pedro even after don Lucas' death?

3. What is Dorotea's first dream?

4. Why is Eduviges convinced that Juan does not meet Abundio on the road to Comala?

5. Why does Eduviges and Dolorita promise to die together?

6. Why is Father Rentería conflicted after Miguel's death?

7. How does Fulgor get Dolores to agree to marry Pedro?

8. Why is the priest reluctant to marry don Pedro and Dolores?

9. Describe the memory Pedro has of Susana as he sits in the privy.

10. What does the woman think is wrong with the other woman?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The love relationships between the characters in the novel are depicted both positively and negatively. For each of the following relationships, explain whether you think it is a positive or negative depiction of romantic love:

- Donis and his sister

- Susana and Florencio

- Dolores and Pedro

- Susana and Pedro

- Abundio and his wife

What do you think Rulfo is trying to say about romantic love based on his description of these relationships? Do you think he believes in the power of romantic love to provide solace in people's lives? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Explain why you think "Pedro Páramo" is an example of Magical Realism. Using specific examples of the text, address the following themes:

- Use of the supernatural

- Realistic aspects

- Extraordinary occurring at the same time as the ordinary

Explain why you think Rulfo uses this style to tell his story. What does the Magical Realism genre allow him to do as an author?

Essay Topic 3

Don Pedro and Father Rentería are two different examples of characters dealing with the consequences of their actions. Don Pedro seems to live a guiltless life without regret, while Father Rentería is consumed by guilt. Compare and contrast the two characters based on the following:

- What actions in their lives most affect the two characters?

- How do they deal with the consequences of their actions

- Who do you think is the more sympathetic of the characters? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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