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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 spends the night sleeping outside because:

2. Sammy tells Arturo that Mexican girls:

3. What is Vera's primary problem?

4. Arturo's novel will be published, but Camilla is now:

5. What has changed for Arturo emotionally in this chapter?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is it that draws Camilla to the abusive Sammy?

3. What is Arturo's intention when he waits in Camilla's car for her?

4. Discuss Arturo's response to seeing Camilla laughing over his telegram by going dancing. Is his response predictable?

5. What does the sad character, Vera's presence in this chapter represent to Arturo?

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

7. Why does Arturo swear off the Catholic church in this chapter?

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

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

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

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

So much has changed since Arthur Bandini lived in Los Angeles in 1939.

1) Identify some of the modern conveniences that Arturo did not have.

2) How might the story have changed because of these, if it had been written this year?

3) How would Arturo have approached his career in 2009?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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