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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 does the word "expiate" mean in the narrative?

2. Whom does Lila ask Elena to visit with her in order to invite them to her wedding in Adolescence: Chapter 56?

3. What word from the narrative means experienced in the imagination through the feelings or actions of another person?

4. What does Lila do when Marcello comes to visit Rino in Adolescence: Chapter 27?

5. In what class does Elena argue with a teacher in Adolescence: Chapter 53?

Short Essay Questions

1. What occurs in Adolescence: Chapter 53 that gives Elena a feeling of purpose?

2. What is significant about Lila's action of having Elena's glasses repaired by Stefano in the novel?

3. How do the neighborhood youths feel about the engagement of Stefano and Lila in Adolescence: Chapters 43-48?

4. What is revealed to the reader through Donato's sexual assault of Elena?

5. Why does Elena pursue Alfornso and Antonio in Adolescence: Chapters 43-48?

6. What conflicts lead to the climax of the narrative plot in Adolescence: Chapters 55-60?

7. What significant plot points emerge in Adolescence: Chapters 25-30?

8. How does Lila respond to the rumors that have been spread about her in Adolescence: Chapters 43-48?

9. How has the relationship between Elena and Lila evolved in Adolescence: Chapters 49-54?

10. What is significant about Elena's trip to Ishia for the summer in Adolescence: Chapter 30?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the political ideals that are explored and discussed in My Brilliant Friend. How would you define Communism and Fascism? What are the history of these political ideals in Italy? How do they reflect upon the characters in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the atmosphere of the Cerullo home. How would you describe Lila's relationships with her mother, father, and brother? What are examples of conflict and/or violence that emerge from these relationships?

Essay Topic 3

Why is Lila not allowed to pursue her education after elementary school? How does this impact her? How does it affect Lila's relationship with Elena?

(see the answer keys)

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