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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 is Mirella's new purse made of?

2. When Michele nearly catches her with the diary, what does Valeria say she was writing?

3. What does Michele reproach Valeria for after Clara leaves their home?

4. How much of a raise will Michele be getting?

5. What did Valeria's mother used to say about Michele, when they were engaged?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where would Michele like to go? Where would Valeria like to go?

2. Why would the notebook be taken from Valeria if the family found it?

3. What happens when the family tries to find a replacement tuxedo for Riccardo?

4. How does Valeria's family react when she says she might keep a diary?

5. What happens when Valeria first gets home with the notebook?

6. What is Riccardo's attitude toward his father?

7. What does Valeria remember telling the children during the war?

8. In Valeria's opinion, why does Michele support Riccardo in his plan to go to Argentina?

9. How does Valeria react when kissed or complimented in front of the children? How do her children react?

10. What does Valeria remember doing at Mirella's age?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare the characters of Valeria and Clara. How have societal expectations affected them?

Essay Topic 2

What is the symbolic value of food in the novel? What does it represent? Focus on 1-3 examples to explore in detail.

Essay Topic 3

How is sexual desire depicted in the book? Compare the different attitudes and ideas that are portrayed.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 669 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample