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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's responds to Vera's disfigured skin by:

2. What is Vera's primary problem?

3. Arturo discovers that Camilla has a:

4. While Camilla is staying with Arturo, his writing is:

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Arturo return to the Alta Loma hotel after Camilla disappears?

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

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

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

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

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

8. Why does Arturo try to retrieve his telegram before it is delivered to Camilla?

9. Why is Arturo no longer feeling particularly threatened by Sammy?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Not much is said in the story about Arturo's Communist friend, Benny Cohen.

1) What is Benny's purpose in the story?

2) In 1939, how would Benny have been viewed by society, in general?

3) Is Benny a good influence on Arturo? Why, or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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