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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. Due to widespread hunger, Ida's paycheck is no longer enough to buy what basic food item?

2. According to Davide, who was the ultimate anarchist?

3. Davide Segre is the real name of which member of the revolutionary band?

4. What type of food does Useppe buy for himself and Bella during one of their adventures in the city?

5. What happened to Hitler, at the end of World War II?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Ida feel about doctors?

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

3. Who is Scimo?

4. What were the Nuremberg trials?

5. What happens when Ida tries to put Useppe in school?

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

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

8. How do Useppe and Ida react when the Allied forces enter Rome in 1944?

9. How does Ida feel about Useppe's frequent outings alone?

10. What happens to Ida after Useppe's death?

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

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 3

Ida often leaves Useppe home alone, either because she has to go to work, or because she is too ashamed to be seen with him. What effect do the long solitary hours have on Useppe? Does he seem bothered by the solitude? Why or why not? How might a child of a different disposition react to his situation? Why? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

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This section contains 790 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample