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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 Chapter 21, why does the waiter offer to buy Arcangel a beer?

2. What does Buzzworm try to buy from the market in Chapter 13?

3. Why is the television on as Emi and Gabriel eat in Chapter 20?

4. Why does Emi tease Gabriel in Chapter 20 as they eat?

5. How do other homeless men feel about Manzanar Mukakami?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Gabriel choose the trees for his landscaping in Mexico?

2. In Chapter 16, what raises Buzzworm's suspicion about the deaths of his friends?

3. In Chapter 14, what does Emi learn about the car accident?

4. What does Manzanar do as he watches the second fire in Chapter 19?

5. Why is Gabriel finally able to interview Manzanar?

6. How does the accident in Chapter 8 affect the characters of this novel?

7. What does Gabriel say he will do if he wins the Pulitzer Prize?

8. After leaving the restaurant in Chapter 21, what new part of his identity does Arcangel reveal?

9. What happens during Gabriel's date with Emi in Chapter 3?

10. Why does Rafaela leave Bobby?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The homeless population play a central role in this novel, although most remain unknown characters. Consider how the characters in "Tropic of Orange" relate to the homeless. How does this large group work as a single character? What is the commentary this novel provides on the homeless?

Essay Topic 2

What is the significance of including historical explanations throughout this novel? When does the author tend to include these? How do they complicate, or simplify, a reader's understanding of the scene? How are the historical explanations symbolic in nature? How are they necessary background building? Consider the context of each historical explanation as well.

Essay Topic 3

Explore how the generations are divided in this novel. What stresses affect the relationships between the generations? How does this affect the major themes in this novel?

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