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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. How does Bobby pay the Mexican traffickers?

2. Where does Emi say she is going as she dies?

3. How old does Arcangel say he is to the United States Customs officials?

4. What box does Rafaela empty at Gabriel's house in Chapter 24?

5. How does Emi's network feel about airing footage of Buzzworm?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. In Chapter 39, how does Rafaela help Gabriel try to find Sol?

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

4. How does Rafaela protect herself from the man in the black Jaguar?

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

6. What does Emi confess to Buzzworm when she is on top of the news van?

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

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

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

10. What do Buzzworm and Emi do before Emi dies?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Complete a character analysis on Arcangel. How is he described? What role does he play in the novel? How do his magical qualities affect this novel? How does Arcangel's character influence the major themes of this novel?

Essay Topic 2

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 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.

(see the answer keys)

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