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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. In "Man in the Wasteland", who holds the gun?

2. In "Lazy Sons", what business does the family own?

3. In "Lazy Sons", why is the family business failing?

4. In "Going to Headquarters", who are the characters?

5. In "Big Fish, Little Fish", who rescues Signorina De Magistris?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the surprise ending of "A Ship Loaded with Crabs"?

2. In "Big Fish, Little Fish", how do Zefferino and Signorina De Magistris' outlooks on life differ?

3. In "Man in the Wasteland", how does Baciccin ruin hunting for the boy and his father?

4. Describe the unarmed man in "Going to Headquarters".

5. In "One of the Three is Still Alive", what does the one man survive through?

6. Describe Baciccin of "Man in the Wasteland".

7. In "Fear on the Footpath", what does Binda think he sees?

8. In "Lazy Sons", what is the family dynamic?

9. What is the family dynamic portrayed in "A Goatherd at Luncheon"?

10. Describe the little boy in "The Crow Comes Last".

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Highlight and explain the author's use of metaphor and/or symbolism, perhaps mentioning:

A) "One Of The Three Is Still Alive"

B) "Big Fish, Little Fish"

C) "Adam, One Afternoon"

Essay Topic 2

Italo Calvino is a critically acclaimed author.

Part 1) Describe Calvino's popularity and place in history as a writer.

Part 2) Explain why he was and still is pivotal to contemporary literature.

Essay Topic 3

Explore and discuss the roles of civilians during World War II as illustrated within the text.

(see the answer keys)

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