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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 Father Rentería do after Susana's death?

2. Who does Fulgor think Miguel has been with?

3. Why does Susana tell Justina she can't leave?

4. What is all that Susana wants of Florencio after his death?

5. What sin does Father Rentería's first penitent of the day confess?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does don Pedro deal with the news of Miguel's crimes?

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

3. Why is Villalpando in such a bad mood?

4. Why does Dorotea say she is no longer interested in the sky?

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

6. Why does Susana reject Father Rentería in her last living moments?

7. Why does don Pedro want Susana's father to disappear in the mines?

8. Why is Fulgor Sedano happy about the rain?

9. Explain Bartolomé's relationship with Susana.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Roman Catholic religion, as embodied by Father Rentería, is critiqued throughout the novel. What is the role of religion in the lives of the people of Comala? Does it provide a solace or is it more based on fear of damnation? Which characters are most affected by their faith? What characters are affected the least? Explain how Father Rentería is seen as both a positive and negative symbol of church. Use specific examples from the text.

Essay Topic 2

Rulfo uses the historical context of the 1910-1920 Mexican Civil War to frame his novel. Based on what you learn about the Revolution and on your reading of the novel, do you think this revolution is a true revolution of the peasants or is it based on other less lofty ideals? Explain Pedro's, El Tilcuate's and Father Rentería's role in the Revolution. What does each of their roles in the Revolution reveal about their character?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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