Differentiate between the use of magical realism techniques in the novella versus the short stories. What formal reasons justify these differences?

Comment on the author’s depiction of women in his stories. Are these characters fully realized or flat? Why?

Explain the author’s framing of urbanization as a corrupting force. Are there real-world examples you know of that support this depiction?

Discuss the extensive use of flashback in Leaf Storm. Why is it necessary for the novella to continue revisiting the past instead of framing its events in chronological order?

Compare Macondo and Esteban’s village to discuss the author’s approach to setting. What does the author do to make these locations stand out? What role does the community play in mediating the setting?

Evaluate the use of first-person voice, particularly in the novella. How does the author help readers differentiate between character voices? Consider how he uses this voice (or perspective) in the stories as well.

Based on the novella and stories, how might you describe the author’s philosophical stance on death? How do his characters respond to the phenomenon of death, especially their own?

Justify your personal stance on the doctor’s burial. Do you agree with the Colonel’s charitable assertion that a person as reprehensible as the doctor deserves a Christian burial? Why or why not?