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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. After sending his telegram, Arturo tries to:

2. Whose poetry does Vera quote to Arturo?

3. How does the author tell us that Vera is an older woman?

4. Camilla's apartment is:

5. Arturo's next story will be based on:

Short Essay Questions

1. Arturo seems invigorated by having experienced the earthquake in Long Beach. Why is he so vocal and full of stories about his heroism?

2. What does the sad character, Vera's presence in this chapter represent to Arturo?

3. What is Arturo's intention when he waits in Camilla's car for her?

4. Discuss what happens to Arturo's relationship with Hellfrick.

5. What purpose does Willie fill in Camilla's life?

6. Discuss Arturo's response to seeing Camilla laughing over his telegram by going dancing. Is his response predictable?

7. What is Vera's opinion of Arturo's writing?

8. Why does Arturo send the escaped Camilla money, after all of her unkindness toward him?

9. Arturo is feeling fairly good until Camilla shows up. What emotions does Camilla bring out in Arturo?

10. Arturo finally gets a big break with the publishing of his new book about Vera. What happens to Camilla?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 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)

This section contains 800 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample