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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 "Broken Toys," how does the stocky man feel about the woman with the questions about toys?

2. How does the narrator of "The Fountain of Pietrarsa" treat the engineer of Pietrarsa?

3. What is the woman with the toys looking for on the train in "Broken Toys"?

4. From what does Pietrarsa suffer while waiting for the fountain to be built?

5. Why does the mayor of Pietrarsa finally agree to move the fountain?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the engineer in "The Fountain of Pietrarsa" agree to take the narrator's bet?

2. Why doesn't Pallura have candle wax with him in "The Idolaters"?

3. What happens when the narrator runs into the engineer in "The Fountain of Pietrarsa"?

4. What does the woman with the toys reveal about herself when she asks questions in "Broken Toys"?

5. In "The Fountain of Pietrarsa," how does the engineer feel at the end of the story?

6. How does the Marquis feel about Nunzia's methods of raising her social status?

7. Why is the town of Pietrarsa building a fountain in "The Fountain of Pietrarsa"?

8. In "Broken Toys," what happens after the stocky man opens the train's door?

9. What role does Professor Gori play in Cesara Reis's engagement?

10. What happens after Nunzia invites the Marquis over for dinner?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast three protagonists.

Essay Topic 2

How do these stories show a theme of suffering? Consider suffering for one's self as well as for other people.

Essay Topic 3

Examine the use of dialogue in at least two stories. How does the dialogue affect the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 659 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample