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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. Why does Nino move back into Ida's home in 1946?

2. What item do Ida and Useppe acquire in 1947?

3. Who was not one of the world leaders that met after World War II to define the peace and new boundaries?

4. Why does Nino respect Davide?

5. Which gift symbolizes the bourgeoisie for Davide?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Useppe die?

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

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

5. Why was Davide alienated from his family?

6. In what ways does Ida sacrifice her own well-being for that of her son, in 1944?

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

8. How does Nino's outlook on life change after the end of the war?

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

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

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

All of the historical information presented in the novel is accurate, but it is presented in a way that allows the author to back up her own points. Does the author's presentation of the historical facts change the way the reader interprets those facts? Is the author's use of historical facts to flesh out the story effective? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 848 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample