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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. Which of Useppe's features appears unusual, starting in 1947?

2. Useppe's doctor wants Useppe to look at what caged animal?

3. What is the cause of Nino's death?

4. Trade union leaders were assassinated, in 1947, in what city?

5. What does Davide recall about the face of the man he killed?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Nino's situation, in 1944?

2. What is revealed, during Davide's speech, about his feelings for the bourgeoisie and anarchy?

3. How does Useppe die?

4. How do Useppe's feelings about newspapers change in 1945?

5. What does Davide do, immediately after the war ends?

6. Who is Bella, and how is she introduced to the story?

7. How does Useppe's behavior change after seeing the disturbing newspaper photos, and his exposure to public school?

8. What does Davide say about Jesus, during his tavern lecture?

9. How does Ida feel about doctors?

10. What relationship develops between Bella and Useppe in 1947?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Carlo's character is, at times, mysterious, sinister, pitiable and despicable. Why does his character change so much throughout the course of the novel? What literary purpose does his character serve? What is he supposed to represent? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

When Nino first steals food, Ida refuses to eat it, but later she does whatever she must to obtain food for her son. How do Ida's morals and beliefs change as a result of her desperate situation? Is her reaction common for people in her situation? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 745 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample