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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. Arturo's writer's block is so strong that he:

2. Arturo's only job is:

3. The hot sand in Los Angeles is coming from:

4. Arturo visits a prostitute in Chapter 2. He considers her:

5. Arturo looks at himself in the mirror and tells himself:

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Arturo survive his deep depression and low self-worth?

2. What is the irony of Arturo's attitude toward Mexicans?

3. Discuss Arturo's interactions with people at the hotel, other than Judy Palmer.

4. How does Arturo reveal his true feelings toward Camilla in this chapter?

5. Why does Arturo give Mrs. Hargraves an extra five dollars with his rent payment?

6. Mr. Hellfrick is an angry alcoholic who owes money to a very poor young man. Is he a bad person?

7. Discuss the essence of Burt Hargraves, and its effect on Arturo Bandini.

8. How is Arturo trying to appear to the waitress? What impression does he want to give her?

9. Why do Arturo and Camilla perpetuate the negativity between them?

10. Discuss the possible reasons why Hackmuth made the decision to publish Arturo's thirty-page letter.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Mrs. Hargraves has a small, but important role in Fante's story.

1) What does Mrs. Hargraves symbolize for Arturo?

2) Why does Arturo finally agree with Mrs. Hargraves that the city of Boulder is in Nebraska?

3) Discuss Arturo's decision to force an extra $5 on Mrs. Hargraves when he pays the rent.

Essay Topic 2

Vera Rivken might seem a revolting, sad character, but her role in Arturo's life is large.

1) Discuss Vera's characteristics, and why she would be attracted to Arturo.

2) What did Arturo accomplish with Vera that he had not been able to do otherwise?

3) Discuss Arturo's response to her probable death.

Essay Topic 3

Raised by his mother to be a strict Catholic, Arturo is always aware of his mother and the church.

1) Why does he feel such guilt? It is not a though his mother is writing and admonishing him.

2) Discuss Arturo's love-hate relationship with the church.

3) When does his religion become most important to him?

(see the answer keys)

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