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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. What is the name of Lila's older brother?

2. What subject does Lila offer to study with Elena in Adolescence: Chapter 6?

3. What is the name of Elena's youngest sibling?

4. What business does the Cerullo family run in the narrative?

5. What is the title of the book that Lila writes in Childhood: Chapter 15?

Short Essay Questions

1. How would you describe Lila's demeanor at the age of six?

2. What is related of Donato Saratorre's story in Childhood: Chapter 4?

3. What exposition does the author reveal in the Prologue and Chapters 1-3?

4. How does the onset of adolescence affect both Lila and Elena?

5. What questions does Donato Sarratore's book of poetry elicit after its publication?

6. What themes are predominant in Adolescence: Chapters 13-18?

7. What leads to the family feuds and violence that erupts in Childhood: Chapters 8 and 9?

8. How does Lila's character perceive wealth in the narrative?

9. How would you describe the development of Lila and Elena's relationship in Adolescence: Chapters 7-12?

10. What role does Don Achille play in the plot of My Brilliant Friend?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the characters of Lila and Elena in the novel. How are they alike? How do they differ? How do their differences influence the development of their friendship in the narrative?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss Elena's summer spent at Ischia. With whom does Elena stay during her visit? How does she earn room and board? Who also stays at the house during the summer and what relationships does Elena form with these characters?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Elena's relationship with Nino Saratorre in the novel. When does this relationship begin? How does it evolve? What about Nino is Elena attracted to? What happens to their relationship in the end of the novel?

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