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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. When Arturo does something nice, he is often:

3. When Vera appears in Arturo's room for the first time, he momentarily wants to:

4. What does Arturo think about the sailors?

5. One indication that everything has changed for Arturo is:

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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