View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. To ease his hurt feelings, Arturo pays to:

2. Arturo discovers that Camilla has a:

3. Camilla's apartment is:

4. What does Arturo take from Camilla's car?

5. Seeing Camilla's apartment after the earthquake, Arturo:

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Fante accomplish with the character, Vera, and the relationship between her and Arturo?

2. Discuss Arturo's response to his sexual success with Vera.

3. Arturo finally gets a big break with the publishing of his new book about Vera. What happens to Camilla?

4. Arturo is feeling fairly good until Camilla shows up. What emotions does Camilla bring out in Arturo?

5. What is Vera's opinion of Arturo's writing?

6. Arturo seems invigorated by having experienced the earthquake in Long Beach. Why is he so vocal and full of stories about his heroism?

7. Why is Arturo no longer feeling particularly threatened by Sammy?

8. Why does Arturo try to retrieve his telegram before it is delivered to Camilla?

9. What is the symbolism of milk in this chapter?

10. What does Arturo have against Sammy? How does Sammy help Arturo?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Arturo's fears are looming, complicated and numerous. Although he lists some of them earlier in the story, during the earthquake we are allowed to observed the true depth of his phobias.

1) How does the bed hanging from the open wall of Vera's demolished apartment affect Arturo?

2) How would you describe his state as he watches the people gathering and singing?

3) What are the more humorous responses Arturo has to the earthquake?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Raised by his mother to be a strict Catholic, Arturo is always aware of his mother and the church.

1) Why does he feel such guilt? It is not a though his mother is writing and admonishing him.

2) Discuss Arturo's love-hate relationship with the church.

3) When does his religion become most important to him?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 858 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample