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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 9, what does Gabriel say has been wrong for a few days?

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

3. How does Bobby react when he is robbed in Chapter 2?

4. Why does Bobby meet with traffickers in Chapter 15?

5. Why does Manzanar finally accept being interviewed by Gabriel?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why is Gabriel finally able to interview Manzanar?

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

4. How does Buzzworm describe the work he does?

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

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

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

8. Why does Gabriel spend time near Mazatlan, Mexico in Chapter 1?

9. What does Buzzworm do with his watches in Chapter 4?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast Buzzworm to official social workers or hired news crews. How does each group feel about their jobs/roles? How do they fulfill roles? What does having Buzzworm fill this position reveal about the official workers?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the narrative devices used in "Tropic of Orange". Consider the multiple narratives, shifts in voices and shifts in time. What is the impact on this novel's characters and plot development? How does this influence the development of the major themes?

Essay Topic 3

Examine the symbolism of one of the following: the trees, the nearly invisible line, the cooler, the Hollywood sign. What does the physical item represent about the characters in this novel? What does the physical item reveal about the major themes?

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