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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 weapon does Lila pull out to threaten her attackers with in Adolescence: Chapter 13?

2. What is Donato Sarratore's profession?

3. What holiday are Lila and Elena celebrating during their conversation in the beginning of Adolescence: Chapter 1?

4. What is the name of Lila's son who has called Elena in the Prologue?

5. How old are Lila and Elena when they first meet?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is discovered of Lila's belongings and mementos in Chapters 2 and 3?

2. How is Lila's sense of competition illustrated in Adolescence: Chapters 13-18?

3. What is discovered when Lila's mother is called to school in Childhood: Chapter 6? Why is this significant?

4. How does Lila respond to jealousies over Elena in Adolescence: Chapters 3 and 4?

5. What is significant about Lila's inability to continue in school past elementary school in the narrative?

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

7. How is the theme of envy illustrated in Childhood: Chapter 7?

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

9. How does Elena's first menstruation influence her relationship with Lila?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What caused the conflict between Lila and Enzo that involved throwing rocks? How does the conflict become resolved? What impact does this conflict and its resolution have on their future friendship?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the narrative style and framing device established for My Brilliant Friend in the Prologue and first chapters. From whose perspective is the narrative related? Why is the narrative related by this character?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and discuss Stefano Carracci's pursuit of Lila in the narrative. How does Stefano go about wooing Lila? Why do you think he is more successful than Marcello Solara? How do you foresee their marriage unfolding?

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