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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. How does the engineer of Pietrarsa respond to the narrator's bet?

2. How does Nunzia describe the Marquis?

3. When is a new express train line built in "Broken Toys"?

4. According to Nunzia, how did the Marquis lose his money?

5. From what does Pietrarsa suffer while waiting for the fountain to be built?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do the townspeople react to the red lights in the sky in "The Idolaters"?

2. Why is the town of Pietrarsa building a fountain in "The Fountain of Pietrarsa"?

3. In "The Fountain of Pietrarsa," how does the engineer feel at the end of the story?

4. What role does Professor Gori play in Cesara Reis's engagement?

5. Why does Bistino no longer work for the Marquis?

6. What happens after Nunzia invites the Marquis over for dinner?

7. Why does Professor Gori want Cesara Reis to go on with her wedding as planned?

8. Why does the engineer in "The Fountain of Pietrarsa" agree to take the narrator's bet?

9. How does the stocky man in "Broken Toys" judge the Southern Italians?

10. In "The Idolaters," why are the townspeople so eager for Pallura to arrive?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explore the theme of betrayal across at least two stories.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the struggles between the upper and lower classes in Italy throughout the time periods these stories represent. Select three stories that best illustrate these struggles.

Essay Topic 3

Select one story that acts as a allegory. Explain how the story functions as an allegory and what the message is.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 667 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample