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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 1943, Italy's leader proclaimed the end of what political system in Italy?

2. What does Nino promise to Useppe, but fails to deliver?

3. What health problem plagued Ida as a child?

4. What was Quattropunto's real name?

5. Where is Gunther from?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Signora DiSegni?

2. How is Ida Mancuso described, at the beginning of Chapter 2?

3. Where is Gunther, at the start of the novel, and where is he going?

4. Why does Nino quit school?

5. How are Ida's parents characterized?

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

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

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

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

10. What was the Italian Racial Law?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Scimo is a character who seems almost surreal, and leads the reader to wonder if he is simply a figment of Useppe's imagination. Is there any way to tell for sure if Scimo is real or not? Why? What purpose does his character serve? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

Ida has a deep-seated fear of doctors and electricity, which interferes with Useppe's treatment. Why does she have these fears? Are they reasonable? Is she simply trying to protect her son, or giving into irrational fears? Why? Are these fears well-founded? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

Nino's attitudes toward the war, politics, and his family's situation change drastically after the war ends. Why do these changes occur? How do Nino's relationships with his revolutionary friends change as a result of his changed beliefs? What are his new priorities, and why? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

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