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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. In what year did World War I begin?

3. How many women were working in the United States in 1943, as a result of the war?

4. How old is Ninuzzu in Chapter 3?

5. What rules were created by the new ordinance which went into effect at the end of 1943?

Short Essay Questions

1. What important object does Nino lose in 1942?

2. What new ordinance is passed, in 1943, regarding the Jews, and how does it affect Ida?

3. How does Nino treat his mother when he is 16?

4. How does Ida and Useppe's living situation change in 1944?

5. What changes come over Nino, in 1942?

6. What happens to Carlo after he leaves the shelter in 1943?

7. How do Nino and Ida react to the air raid sirens in Rome, beginning in 1941?

8. What happens between Ida and Gunther?

9. Why does Nino quit school?

10. What happens when the monk arrives at the shelter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The atrocities committed by the Nazis are hard to comprehend, particularly because they occurred on such a massive scale. How does this novel help to humanize the victims, and enable readers to understand what they went through? Does this novel change readers' perceptions of the Holocaust and World War II? Why or why not? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

There are strange and surreal events in the novel, such as Caruli's story about the dirigible, which don't make sense, and which make the reader question the validity of the rest of the events. Why does the author make the truth of these events so ambiguous? What literary purpose do they serve? Are they effective? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

Nino is arrogant and belligerent toward many people, but he has a soft spot for his brother and dogs. Why is Nino's relationship with his brother different from his relationship with his mother and the other people he associates with? Why does he develop such a strong bond with Useppe? Why doesn't he react to Useppe the way Ida expects him to? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 852 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample