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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. Cagliostro is imprisoned where for a brief time?

2. In the 1960s, how many people visited Italy?

3. Why do wealthy people come to Italy?

4. Visitors drink vast and indiscriminate quantities of ____________.

5. Some of the visitors are more ______________ than the residents.

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Benito Mussolini an example of Italian showmanship gone wrong?

2. In what activities to visitors take part?

3. How do the Italians feel about work?

4. What about Italian life draws visitors?

5. What is the first of the evil spirits? Describe it.

6. Describe Cola di Rienzo.

7. What is the first purpose of having life be like a show?

8. Who is Guiseppe Balsamo?

9. What is the stereotype of Italians?

10. Why do many visitors return often or stay permanently?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Foreigners have come to Italy since ancient times.

Part 1) Describe these ancient travels. Why was it so difficult?

Part 2) What is the importance of Rome? How does this continue to draw visitors?

Part 3) To what other nations might one compare Italy? How? Why?

Essay Topic 2

The Italians believe in shutting their mouths and minding their own business.

Part 1) Why do they believe this is the best defense? Do you agree? Why or why not?

Part 2) Who is perfect example of this philosophy? How?

Part 3) What are your thoughts about this character's behavior? How does he compare to other famous Italians mentioned in this book? How does he compare to famous Americans? What might Italians think of him? What might Americans think of him? Why?

Essay Topic 3

The Mafia is very powerful.

Part 1) What is the Mafia? What is the difference between mafia and Mafia?

Part 2) What is mafioso? How does it describe one who is a member of the Mafia? Why is the Mafia so powerful? How do Italian beliefs reinforce the power of the Mafia?

Part 3) Is the Mafia good or bad? Might Italians and Sicilians believe it is good or bad? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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