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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. Where does the General kidnap Leticia from?

2. How did the General seize power the first time?

3. What happens as a result of the Vatican's decision in the cause of Bendicion Alvarado?

4. What happens during the wedding ceremony?

5. What animal does Emanuel resemble when he is born?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Bendicion Alvarado mourned?

2. After he has finished with the school girl, how does the General deal with her?

3. Explain the conditions under which Jose Ignacio Saenz de la Barra is allowed to operate the torture chamber.

4. Describe Jose Ignacio Saenz de la Barra.

5. Why does Leticia always receive inferior merchandise from the market?

6. Describe the General's final death.

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

8. Explain how the Caribbean Sea becomes U.S. property.

9. How does the General decide to restore the Church to the nation?

10. Describe the successful assassination attempt.

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 801 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample