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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. Who sees the orange roll down the street in Chapter 11?

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

3. In Chapter 2, what does Rafaela want Bobby to do before she returns home?

4. Why does Gabriel think Manzanar was not born in a World War II camp?

5. What does Rafaela steal from Dona Maria's house in Chapter 18?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Buzzworm describe the work he does?

2. How does Bobby feel about the letter he receives in Chapter 12 about his cousin?

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

4. Why is Gabriel finally able to interview Manzanar?

5. How do the characters react to the appearance of crabs in Chapter 10?

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

7. Why does Rafaela steal from Dona Maria in Chapter 18?

8. In Chapter 13, what is Buzzworm's plan for improving Los Angeles neighborhoods?

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

10. What does Arcangel do when he sees a broken down truck holding up traffic in Chapter 11?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Rafaela to Emi. How do these characters define women and their role in society in this novel? How do their feelings toward work affect this definition? How do their attitudes about the homeless and crime affect this definition? Consider the reactions of other characters to these women as a way to gauge approval, or disapproval, of the role of women.

Essay Topic 3

The official government plays a very small physical role in this novel, yet their presence and purpose is frequently commented on, or alluded to. What is the role of the government in "Tropic of Orange"? How do the actions of the government affect the conflict in this novel and the resolution sought by the characters? What is the effect of having the government alluded to by unrelated characters instead of being a direct character itself?

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