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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 32, what happens when Gabriel visits Mazatlan?

2. In Chapter 25, how does Gabriel feel after speaking with Rafaela on the phone?

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

4. Why does Buzzworm want Gabriel to visit Mexico in Chapter 25?

5. In Chapter 40, how long does Bobby think it will take him to get to the wrestling match?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Rafaela visit Gabriel's house, after leaving Dona Maria's, in Chapter 24?

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

3. What happens when Gabriel calls Emi in Chapter 29?

4. How does Gabriel reveal C. Juarez's real name?

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

6. What happens after the gun is fired in Chapter 42?

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

8. What happens when Arcangel tries to cross the United States border in Chapter 33?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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

Examine the symbolism of one of the following: the trees, the nearly invisible line, the cooler, the Hollywood sign. What does the physical item represent about the characters in this novel? What does the physical item reveal about the major themes?

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