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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. The waitress in the Columbia Buffet initially ignores Arturo because:

2. Arturo visits a prostitute in Chapter 2. He considers her:

3. To absolve himself of his guilt over the stolen milk, before drinking it, Arturo first:

4. Arturo is especially arrogant now because:

5. After insulting Camilla again, Arturo feels:

Short Essay Questions

1. In their final exchange of insults for this chapter, Camilla forces Arturo into kissing her. Discuss the significance of the kiss.

2. Based on his situation in Chapter 1, do you think someone like Arturo will be successful in his chosen career?

3. Discuss the possible reason that Arturo decided to become a writer, which is couched in this Chapter.

4. Is Arturo stalking Camilla in this chapter?

5. Discuss Arturo's revelation about the "paradise" California represented to him earlier.

6. Discuss Camilla's new white shoes.

7. Discuss the essence of Burt Hargraves, and its effect on Arturo Bandini.

8. Why is Arturo Bandini so mean and insulting to the Mexican waitress?

9. Why do Arturo and Camilla perpetuate the negativity between them?

10. Arturo reveals in Chapter 2 the two things that drive him. What are they?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Racism is a consistent theme throughout the story.

1) Compare and contrast the racist treatment that Camilla and Arturo have both suffered from. How is one different from the other?

2) Has one of the characters been more hurt by racism than the other? How, and why?

3) Discuss Mrs. Hargraves' attitude and how she might fare in today's world as a hotel proprietor.

Essay Topic 2

Vera Rivken might seem a revolting, sad character, but her role in Arturo's life is large.

1) Discuss Vera's characteristics, and why she would be attracted to Arturo.

2) What did Arturo accomplish with Vera that he had not been able to do otherwise?

3) Discuss Arturo's response to her probable death.

Essay Topic 3

The character of Sammy is important to Fante's story. Sammy has some things that Arturo craves, and some that Arturo feels superior to.

1) Discuss Sammy's lifestyle in the desert. What does this tell us about him?

2) Discuss Camilla's obsession with Sammy. Why does he reject her?

3) What are the things about Sammy that allow Arturo to stop feeling jealous of him?

(see the answer keys)

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