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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, where does Arcangel go after eating at the restaurant?

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

3. What does Gabriel write for a living?

4. In Chapter 9, why is Gabriel having a difficult time following Buzzworm's lead on the news story about the homeless man?

5. In Chapter 1, what does Rafaela describe about Gabriel's house?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Buzzworm describe the work he does?

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

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

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

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

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

8. In Chapter 7, why does the crowd of people distrust Arcangel?

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

10. Why does Rafaela leave Bobby?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

How is this novel an example of magical realism? Describe the elements of magical realism and explain how "Tropic of Orange" aligns with this description and how it does not. How does this genre direct the text? How does this genre help the author deliver her commentary on society?

Essay Topic 3

What commentary on crime does the author provide in "Tropic or Orange"? Describe and analyze the different crimes committed throughout this novel to reveal a message about crime in American society. How do the characters react to these crimes? How do the criminals justify their crimes? In what ways is crime detailed to be a negative human behavior? A positive human behavior? What is the role of crime in the greater context of society?

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