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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 Nino's new nickname, as a revolutionary?

2. How old is Ida Mancuso when she is introduced?

3. Ida lives as a member of what race, in Chapter 3?

4. Who was the Italian leader, appointed by the King, in 1943?

5. Who is Alfio?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Italy's government change in 1943?

2. What does Carlo tell Nino about his past, when they first meet?

3. Who is Carulina?

4. How does the author set the stage for the novel's action, in the first chapter?

5. What is Carlo's stance on violence and politics, in 1943?

6. What news does Remo bring Ida, regarding Nino and the other revolutionaries, at the beginning of 1944?

7. What does Nino do for his little brother when Useppe is very young?

8. What happens when Gunther goes into Remo's in the first chapter?

9. What concerns does Ida have about Nino and herself, in 1940?

10. How does Ida respond to the air raid sirens, beginning in 1943?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ida's parents are discussed at the beginning of the novel, as well as her girlhood. Which of Ida's traits did she inherit from her parents? Which were genetic, and which were learned behaviors? Is there any way of knowing for sure? Are there any events during Ida's childhood which affect the rest of her life? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

Gunther only appears twice in the novel, but plays a major role. Is he a sympathetic character? Why does the author choose to mix such pitiable qualities with such a hateful persona? Are Gunther's mistakes a result of his situation, or is he an inherently bad person? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

Ida is devastated by Nino's decision to quit school. Why does Nino decide to quit? How do his decision to quit school, and his rowdy behavior there before he quits, reflect his disdain for authority in general? Why does his decision to quit school affect Ida so deeply? What does she think will happen to him when he drops out of school? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 806 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample