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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. Mrs. Hargraves will not allow guests who are:

2. On Arturo's wall hangs a picture of:

3. As they come out of their churches, Arturo sees the Parkers' and Smiths' faces as:

4. The waitress in the Columbia Buffet initially ignores Arturo because:

5. Arturo's new clothes arrive along with:

Short Essay Questions

1. What makes Arturo finally ask his mother for money?

2. After his wild spending spree, Arturo rejects his new belongings. Discuss the reasons for this.

3. Why does Arturo mention Benny Cohen in this chapter?

4. Why does Arturo portray himself as such a patriotic American?

5. Discuss the possible reason that Arturo decided to become a writer, which is couched in this Chapter.

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

7. Why is Arturo Bandini so mean and insulting to the Mexican waitress?

8. What is the basis of Arturo's daring move to Los Angeles? What has given him the courage to relocate?

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

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

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

Arturo has some profound revelations as he searches in vain for Camilla in the vast desert.

1) Discuss what Arturo deduces about nature as it relates to humans.

2) What is the symbolism of searching in the desert for a person like Camilla?

3) How does Arturo make peace with losing Camilla for good? Is it a healthy way to say goodbye to her? Why, or why not?

Essay Topic 3

The character of Sammy is important to Fante's story. Sammy has some things that Arturo craves, and some that Arturo feels superior to.

1) Discuss Sammy's lifestyle in the desert. What does this tell us about him?

2) Discuss Camilla's obsession with Sammy. Why does he reject her?

3) What are the things about Sammy that allow Arturo to stop feeling jealous of him?

(see the answer keys)

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