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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 25, how does Gabriel describe Emi's opinion of the recent events in Los Angeles?

2. How does Gabriel tell Bobby about the assault on Rafaela?

3. In Chapter 37, who does Buzzworm see chasing Sol?

4. What does Emi do when the homeless people take over all the newscasts?

5. Who does Gabriel contact when he realizes he can't track the smuggled oranges?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the situation on the freeway remind Manzanar of in Chapter 28?

2. What happens when Rafaela calls Gabriel after mailing him the cooler from Dona Maria's?

3. What does Buzzworm do once he has possession of the cooler Rafaela mailed?

4. How does Gabriel feel about the use of technology in his news reporting?

5. Why doesn't Rafaela tell Gabriel about the people harvesting human organs in Chapter 24?

6. What happens when Gabriel faxes Bobby the wrestler poster in Chapter 40?

7. Why does Buzzworm keep telling Emi about the police in Chapter 31?

8. What is "What's the Buzz?"

9. Why is Rafaela nervous during her bus ride with Sol and Arcangel?

10. How does Arcangel bond with Rodriguez in Chapter 23?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What does "Tropic of Orange" reveal about relations between the United States and Mexico? Research the history of this relationship and compare it to the depiction of the relationship in this novel. Consider how the citizens interact as well as the official governments.

Essay Topic 2

How does the author use language and tone in developing the various settings and scenes in this novel? Consider the connotations of her word choice.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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