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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. What refreshment does Vera bring to Arturo?

2. When Camilla and Arturo go to visit Sammy, Camilla becomes:

3. Seeing Camilla's apartment after the earthquake, Arturo:

4. Arturo feels his novel will serve to:

5. Why does Arturo leave Camilla to return to Los Angeles?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Do you consider Arturo pathetic for taking Camilla's hat?

5. What is it that draws Camilla to the abusive Sammy?

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

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

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

9. Why does Arturo swear off the Catholic church in this chapter?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Fante gives us, primarily, three settings that are vastly different from one another. Each one has meaning.

1) Discuss the "feel" of the desert, the beach and the inner city and compare the three.

2) What do these three areas symbolize in Fante's story?

3) What is significant about the characters' moving around among these settings?

Essay Topic 2

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?

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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