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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 his novel will serve to:

2. After writing his attack on the Catholic church, Arturo:

3. What does Vera think of Arturo's writing?

4. Sammy is terminally ill with:

5. What is the event that ends Arturo's friendship with Hellfrick?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What is the symbolism of milk in this chapter?

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

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

7. What does Fante accomplish with the character, Vera, and the relationship between her and Arturo?

8. Discuss the emotional "dance" that goes on between Arturo and Camilla. Why are they unable to get along?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Arturo and Camilla create many dramatic moments between them.

1) What role and purpose does Camilla play in Arturo's life?

2) What does Arturo represent in Camilla's life?

3) Why do the two of them fight and insult one another?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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