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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 feels that not having been with a woman has:

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

3. When Arturo is desperately trying to save Camilla, he thinks of writing about the incident, but is worried about:

4. Arturo's new clothes arrive along with:

5. Arturo comments that the restaurant's expensive Scotch is:

Short Essay Questions

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

2. In Chapter 2, Arturo's many fears are revealed. Why do you suppose Arturo is so frightened of women?

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

4. What does Arturo's interaction with Judy Palmer tell us about him?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

1) Discuss the symbolism of milk that Fante uses throughout the story. It represents many things and appears at different events in Arturo's life. Look at each of these events and determine what it is that Fante is trying to show us, using milk as a symbol.

2) What are the different characteristics of the milk in each instance?

3) What does milk represent to Arturo?

Essay Topic 3

Pets are known to have a soothing effect on humans. Discuss Willie and his role in Camilla's life.

1) What did Willie bring to Camilla besides comfort?

2) What was Arturo's intent when he got Willie for Camilla?

3) Why didn't Camilla leave Willie with Sammy where he would be safe?

(see the answer keys)

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