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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. In Chapter 3, what genre of film does Gabriel say he appreciates?

2. How does Bobby feel about the wage he earns in the United States?

3. What does the young man say happened to him in Chapter 13 when shots were fired?

4. In Chapter 21, why does the waiter offer to buy Arcangel a beer?

5. What does Buzzworm say he is a veteran of?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 16, what raises Buzzworm's suspicion about the deaths of his friends?

2. After leaving the restaurant in Chapter 21, what new part of his identity does Arcangel reveal?

3. How do the characters react to the appearance of crabs in Chapter 10?

4. Why does Gabriel say things haven't seem right in Chapter 9?

5. What happens when Emi brings up cultural diversity in Chapter 20?

6. In Chapter 1, how is Rafaela's life in Mexico described?

7. In Chapter 7, what does Arcangel say about his past?

8. Why is Gabriel finally able to interview Manzanar?

9. What history of Gabriel's work is given in Chapter 6?

10. Why does Rafaela leave Bobby?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the role of the news vs. entertainment in society in "Tropic of Orange"? How does the author turn this into a major theme? What does she suggest about the news?

Essay Topic 2

How does the author use language and tone in developing the various settings and scenes in this novel? Consider the connotations of her word choice.

Essay Topic 3

How is this novel an example of magical realism? Describe the elements of magical realism and explain how "Tropic of Orange" aligns with this description and how it does not. How does this genre direct the text? How does this genre help the author deliver her commentary on society?

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