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

2. Mr. Heilman was:

3. If Mr. Hargraves were alive, he would have:

4. Why does Arturo consider the prostitute to be cleaner than he is?

5. Mrs. Hargraves will not allow guests who are:

Short Essay Questions

1. What role does the resident mouse in Arturo's room play in the story?

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

3. How does Arturo survive his deep depression and low self-worth?

4. How does Mrs. Hargraves position herself with Arturo when they first meet?

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

6. After his wild spending spree, Arturo rejects his new belongings. Discuss the reasons for this.

7. With all the stimulus in Los Angeles, why do you suppose Arturo has writer's block?

8. Discuss Arturo's feelings toward those people he sees coming out of their church.

9. What makes Arturo finally ask his mother for money?

10. What is the basis of Arturo's daring move to Los Angeles? What has given him the courage to relocate?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Arturo has some profound revelations as he searches in vain for Camilla in the vast desert.

1) Discuss what Arturo deduces about nature as it relates to humans.

2) What is the symbolism of searching in the desert for a person like Camilla?

3) How does Arturo make peace with losing Camilla for good? Is it a healthy way to say goodbye to her? Why, or why not?

Essay Topic 2

There is a significant amount of substance abuse in the story. Why does Fante include this element?

1) What characteristic of the characters is represented by their use of substances, i.e., does it indicate weakness, happiness, boredom, etc.

2) Written at a time when marijuana was not so well-known, what is it about marijuana that Fante shows us in this story?

3) Compare Sammy's drinking habits to Camilla's; how are they alike or different?

Essay Topic 3

Mrs. Hargraves has a small, but important role in Fante's story.

1) What does Mrs. Hargraves symbolize for Arturo?

2) Why does Arturo finally agree with Mrs. Hargraves that the city of Boulder is in Nebraska?

3) Discuss Arturo's decision to force an extra $5 on Mrs. Hargraves when he pays the rent.

(see the answer keys)

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