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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. How does Buzzworm know the man who dies of a drug overdose in Chapter 16?

3. What nationality is Bobby?

4. In Chapter 7, what does Arcangel predict?

5. When does Gabriel call Buzzworm in Chapter 6?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Gabriel feel while going out to eat with Emi in Chapter 20?

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

4. Why is Gabriel finally able to interview Manzanar?

5. In Chapter 5, how is Manzanar Mukakami introduced?

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

7. What happens when Bobby meets with the traffickers in Chapter 15?

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

9. What history of Gabriel's work is given in Chapter 6?

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

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

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.

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