The Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder
  • 1. The Bridge of San Luis Rey, a novel by Thornton Wilder published in 1927, explores profound themes of fate, love, and the search for meaning in the face of tragedy. Set in 18th century Peru, the story begins with the dramatic collapse of an Incan rope bridge, which tragically takes the lives of five unsuspecting travelers. Central to the narrative is Brother Juniper, a Franciscan monk who becomes obsessed with uncovering the reasons behind this calamity. As he conducts his investigation into the lives of the victims—an aristocrat, a young nun, a grieving mother, her child, and a compassionate stage manager—the novel delves into their pasts, revealing their dreams, sorrows, and relationships. Wilder's prose weaves together elements of existential inquiry and spiritual reflection, prompting readers to contemplate the intersection of divine providence and human agency. The bridge itself serves as a powerful symbol of connection, both literal and metaphorical, embodying the fragility of life and the quest for understanding in a seemingly indifferent universe. Through rich character development and philosophical dialogue, Wilder invites us to ponder the nature of suffering and the quest for redemption, making The Bridge of San Luis Rey a timeless exploration of what it means to be human.

    Who is the author of 'The Bridge of San Luis Rey'?
A) Thornton Wilder
B) John Steinbeck
C) F. Scott Fitzgerald
D) Ernest Hemingway
  • 2. In what year was 'The Bridge of San Luis Rey' published?
A) 1921
B) 1930
C) 1927
D) 1945
  • 3. What tragic event is central to the story?
A) A war
B) The collapse of a bridge
C) A earthquake
D) A shipwreck
  • 4. What city is the setting for 'The Bridge of San Luis Rey'?
A) Mexico City
B) Havana
C) Buenos Aires
D) Lima, Peru
  • 5. Who tries to understand the lives of the bridge victims?
A) Father Paul
B) Brother Juniper
C) The Marquesa
D) Esteban
  • 6. How many people fell from the bridge?
A) Seven
B) Three
C) Five
D) Ten
  • 7. Which character is a wealthy woman who is grieving?
A) Sister Clara
B) Esteban
C) The Marquesa
D) Doña Carolina
  • 8. What genre does 'The Bridge of San Luis Rey' belong to?
A) Novel
B) Play
C) Short story
D) Poetry
  • 9. What does the bridge represent in the characters' lives?
A) Wealth
B) Despair
C) Hope
D) Connection and disconnection
  • 10. Which character is an orphan and struggles with his place in society?
A) Don Amador
B) Brother Juniper
C) Esteban
D) The Marquesa
  • 11. What event does the entire narrative lead up to?
A) The bridge collapse
B) A festival
C) A funeral
D) A wedding
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