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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 expresses his love for Camilla by:

2. Hellfrick helps Arturo:

3. After some champagne, Arturo's attitude toward the prostitutes is that:

4. What does Arturo think about the sailors?

5. Camilla is institutionalized in:

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 Fante accomplish with the character, Vera, and the relationship between her and Arturo?

3. Does maturity has much to do with the constant friction between Arturo and Camilla?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

So much has changed since Arthur Bandini lived in Los Angeles in 1939.

1) Identify some of the modern conveniences that Arturo did not have.

2) How might the story have changed because of these, if it had been written this year?

3) How would Arturo have approached his career in 2009?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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