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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 does Vera offer to do for Arturo when they become intimate?

2. Arturo tries to make a life for himself and Camilla by:

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

4. Why does Arturo write an angry essay about Catholicism?

5. Hellfrick helps Arturo:

Short Essay Questions

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

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. Discuss Arturo's response to his sexual success with Vera.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The character of Sammy is important to Fante's story. Sammy has some things that Arturo craves, and some that Arturo feels superior to.

1) Discuss Sammy's lifestyle in the desert. What does this tell us about him?

2) Discuss Camilla's obsession with Sammy. Why does he reject her?

3) What are the things about Sammy that allow Arturo to stop feeling jealous of him?

Essay Topic 2

Fante's characters are developed through the eyes of Arturo Bandini.

1) Choose one of the characters to describe in detail.

2 Compare and contrast two of the characters' personalities.

3) Write about how one of the characters, if they were dropped into 2009, would be treated.

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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