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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 36, why are the people around Arcangel amazed with his orange?

2. Why does Gabriel send faxes to the paper in Chapter 43?

3. Where does Rafaela go after leaving Gabriel's house in Chapter 24?

4. What does Gabriel ask Emi to do for him while he is out of town in Chapter 27?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How do Gabriel and Emi's attitudes toward the news differ in Chapters 26 and 27?

4. What does Bobby think is strange as he drives north with Xiayue into Los Angeles?

5. In Chapter 27, what does Gabriel ask of Emi while he is away in Mexico?

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

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

8. What happens when Gabriel goes to Mazatlan in Chapter 32?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is "Tropic of Orange" a satire? Define the genre and consider the aspects of this novel that fit the description. How can you account for the aspects of this novel that do not appear to be straight satire? What makes satire an effective, or appropriate, genre for the message of "Tropic of Orange"?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Examine the theme of technology in this novel. How do the characters use technology? What is the commentary provided about technology's purpose? Its usefulness? In what ways does technology bind the characters and plot lines of this novel as a theme?

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