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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 "Dollars and the Demimondaine", how do Emanuele and Jolanda make a living?

2. In "The Adventure of a Reader", why does the woman get mad at Amedeo?

3. In "The Adventure of a Bather", where is Isotta found when she receives help?

4. In "The Adventure of a Photographer", what is Antonino Paraggi's profession?

5. In "Desire in November", what is Linda's occupation?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "Theft in a Pastry Shop", what makes the thieves more excited than money? Why?

2. In "Desire in November", who is Barbagallo?

3. In "The Adventure of a Traveler", what is the traveler obsessed with?

4. In "Dollars and the Demimondaine", how does Emanuele try to get Jolanda out of the bar?

5. In "The Adventure of a Bather", who finally helps the bather?

6. Write a synopsis of "The Adventure of a Soldier".

7. In "The Adventure of a Clerk", why doesn't the clerk talk to anyone about what he is thinking and feeling?

8. In "The Adventure of a Clerk", what is the clerk doing?

9. In "The Adventure of a Nearsighted Man", what is the man's conundrum with wearing glasses?

10. In "The Adventure of a Reader", what does Amedeo like to do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Sex is mentioned in many of the stories. Explore and discuss why it is important and why it is necessary.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the use of comic relief in the stories of "Difficult Loves."

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 714 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample