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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. Hellfrick claims to be:

2. The name of the restaurant where Camilla works is:

3. Other than a few things that frighten him, Arturo sees himself as:

4. After insulting Camilla again, Arturo feels:

5. His departure from the prostitute's room leaves Arturo feeling:

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Discuss the unfair discrimination Arturo experienced as a child..

3. Why would a starving writer like Arturo Bandini choose to live in Los Angeles where he is even more anonymous, lonely and desperate?

4. How does Mrs. Hargraves position herself with Arturo when they first meet?

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

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

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

8. With all the stimulus in Los Angeles, why do you suppose Arturo has writer's block?

9. What makes Chapter 2 comical, if anything?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Arturo's fears are looming, complicated and numerous. Although he lists some of them earlier in the story, during the earthquake we are allowed to observed the true depth of his phobias.

1) How does the bed hanging from the open wall of Vera's demolished apartment affect Arturo?

2) How would you describe his state as he watches the people gathering and singing?

3) What are the more humorous responses Arturo has to the earthquake?

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

Camilla is a very complex character, whose condition deteriorates over the course of this story.

1) Did Arturo's involvement in her life contribute to her demise?

2) Did her relationship with Arturo lead to her mental breakdown?

3) At what points in the story do we really like Camilla?

(see the answer keys)

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