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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. With his novel published, Arturo's life has:

2. Camilla's puppy, Willie, provides her with a sense of:

3. Finally admitting she is in love with Sammy, Camilla asks Arturo to:

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

5. In this chapter, Arturo may have realized that:

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What does Arturo have against Sammy? How does Sammy help Arturo?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

Mrs. Hargraves has a small, but important role in Fante's story.

1) What does Mrs. Hargraves symbolize for Arturo?

2) Why does Arturo finally agree with Mrs. Hargraves that the city of Boulder is in Nebraska?

3) Discuss Arturo's decision to force an extra $5 on Mrs. Hargraves when he pays the rent.

(see the answer keys)

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