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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 Ida put Useppe in kindergarten?

2. Bella brings Useppe home at what time each day?

3. For what purposes did Germans overtake some of the buildings in Rome?

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

5. Why isn't Davide afraid of ghosts?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Hitler in 1945?

2. What health problem does Useppe develop in 1946, and how does he respond?

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

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

5. Why was Davide alienated from his family?

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

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

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

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

10. Who is Scimo?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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.

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 830 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample