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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. Who does Gabriel call to learn Corazon Juarez's first name?

2. How does Bobby react when he sees Rafaela in Chapter 45?

3. In Chapter 25, why doesn't Gabriel go to Mexico when Rafaela calls him?

4. In Chapter 25, who keeps Gabriel informed about the developments among the homeless population on the freeway?

5. In Chapter 31, who does Buzzworm tell Emi will likely attack?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. In Chapter 45, what happens when Bobby and Rafaela reunite?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Compare and contrast Buzzworm to official social workers or hired news crews. How does each group feel about their jobs/roles? How do they fulfill roles? What does having Buzzworm fill this position reveal about the official workers?

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?

(see the answer keys)

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