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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. Americans with names like Parker and Smith:

2. Arturo's attitude toward Mexicans is:

3. Whe he arrives at the restaurant, Arturo's mood is one of:

4. Many people have come to California because of:

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Discuss Camilla's new white shoes.

3. Based on his situation in Chapter 1, do you think someone like Arturo will be successful in his chosen career?

4. Arturo tells Mrs. Hargraves that he never changes his mind. Discuss that statement and why it is ironic.

5. In their final exchange of insults for this chapter, Camilla forces Arturo into kissing her. Discuss the significance of the kiss.

6. Discuss Arturo's feelings toward those people he sees coming out of their church.

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The house on Laguna Beach represents a hope for normalcy on Arturo's part.

1) What is it about a house that embodies the possibility of a normal life?

2) What does the house, apparently, represent to Camilla?

3) Why is Arturo unable to stay in the house, once Camilla disappears?

Essay Topic 2

John Fante has entitled his book "Ask the Dust" for a good reason.

1) Explore the ways in which this title makes sense as it relates to the story of Arturo Bandini.

2) What role does dust play in the story in terms of the city of Los Angeles?

3) What other scenes involve dust and why are they significant?

4) Discuss the symbolism of dust in this story, and why it is effective.

Essay Topic 3

When Arturo resigns himself to not finding Camilla in the end of the story, how does he comfort himself?

1) Discuss Arturo's mixed feelings toward Camilla.

2) If he had found her, how might Camilla's life have changed, if at all?

3) Was Camilla's problem with life all in her head? Did she have some real challenges?

(see the answer keys)

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