Tell Them Not to Kill Me!

by Juan Rulfo

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Tell Them Not to Kill Me! Questions and Answers

How does the author structure the story to reveal the details about Juvencio's life in "Tell Them Not to Kill Me"? Does the author use a straightforward, chronological order? Explain.

In "Tell Them Not to Kill Me!", Juvencio states that “he had to kill Don Lupe.” What does this line reveal about how he views his deed? What do his further thoughts in lines 41–101 make clear to readers?

What impression of the main character and his situation is created by the opening dialogue of "Tell Them Not to Kill Me!" in which he begs his son to mediate?

What is the sense of irony in the story?

Identify where the point of view shifts to first person in the story "Tell Them Not to Kill Me!" by Juan Rulfo. Why does the author shift to the first person to have Juvencio narrate his part of the story? Does this shift significantly affect the tone of the narrative?  

What words and phrases reveal Juvencio's main motivation throughout the story "Tell Them Not to Kill Me!" by Juan Rulfo?

In the story, Juvencio states that he had to kill Don Lupe. What does this line reveal about how he views his deed?

What is the setting in "Tell Them Not to Kill Me!" by Juan Rulfo?

What is the central theme of this story and how does the author’s use of irony help develop this theme? Give details to support your answer.

Has Juvencio changed as a result of the trials he has experienced?

What impression of the main character and his situation is created by the opening dialogue, in which he begs his son to medicate?

Explain why the author tells the story through a flashback. Consider how the structure fits the content of the story and how it contributes to the story’s impact on readers.

In "Tell Them Not to Kill Me!" by Juan Rulfo, why is Juvencio Nava finally caught?

Why does the author tells the story in flashback?

Early in "Tell Them Not to Kill Me!" Rulfo suddenly changes the point of view from third person to first person. Why? Does it change the way we feel about Juvencio Nava at this point in the story?

How is the theme of anticipation of death portrayed throughout "Tell Them Not to Kill Me!" by Juan Rulfo?

Can you help me with writing a thesis statement for this piece? I am trying to write an essay that is at least three pages.

How is Nava's proposal ironic in "Tell Them Not to Kill Me!"? What kind of irony is this? Defend your response.

Is "Tell Them Not to Kill Me!" written in prose?