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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. Why is Bistino initially upset when the Marquis moves in?

2. Why does Professor Gori decide to "stand up for" Cesara Reis after her wedding is postponed?

3. How does the engineer of Pietrarsa respond to the narrator's bet?

4. Why does Professor Gori think he missed Cesara Reis's wedding?

5. How is Bistino related to the Marquis?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is progress on the fountain in "The Fountain of Pietrarsa" continually stalled?

2. Why do the townspeople of Pietrarsa gather outside the mayor's house in "The Fountain of Pietrarsa"?

3. What role does Professor Gori play in Cesara Reis's engagement?

4. How does Nunzia initially feel about the Marquis?

5. What role does the statue of San Pantaleone play in the lives of the townspeople in "The Idolaters"?

6. In "The Fountain of Pietrarsa," how does the engineer feel at the end of the story?

7. Why does the engineer in "The Fountain of Pietrarsa" agree to take the narrator's bet?

8. What is the problem with Professor Gori's frock-coat?

9. In "The Idolaters," why are the townspeople so eager for Pallura to arrive?

10. What is Giacobbe's plan for his visit to Mascalico?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain why you think these stories were compiled. Describe three themes or messages that this collection explores as a whole.

Essay Topic 2

Explore the theme of betrayal across at least two stories.

Essay Topic 3

Choose two authors who appear to be different and explain how they reflect similar message and values in their stories.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 715 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample