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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. How does Manzanar feel about his first interview with Gabriel?

2. What does Emi do when the homeless people take over all the newscasts?

3. In Chapter 31, who does Buzzworm tell Emi will likely attack?

4. Why doesn't Bobby answer Xiayue's question about her brother in Chapter 40?

5. What do the homeless people form after moving in to the cars on the freeway?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Gabriel feel about the use of technology in his news reporting?

2. What does Bobby think is strange as he drives north with Xiayue into Los Angeles?

3. What happens when Arcangel tries to cross the United States border in Chapter 33?

4. In Chapter 39, how does Rafaela help Gabriel try to find Sol?

5. What is "What's the Buzz?"

6. How does Gabriel reveal C. Juarez's real name?

7. Why does Rafaela visit Gabriel's house, after leaving Dona Maria's, in Chapter 24?

8. What happens when Gabriel faxes Bobby the wrestler poster in Chapter 40?

9. In Chapter 45, what happens when Bobby and Rafaela reunite?

10. What happens when Gabriel goes to Mazatlan in Chapter 32?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Complete a character analysis on Arcangel. How is he described? What role does he play in the novel? How do his magical qualities affect this novel? How does Arcangel's character influence the major themes of this novel?

Essay Topic 2

Examine the symbolism of one of the following: the trees, the nearly invisible line, the cooler, the Hollywood sign. What does the physical item represent about the characters in this novel? What does the physical item reveal about the major themes?

Essay Topic 3

The official government plays a very small physical role in this novel, yet their presence and purpose is frequently commented on, or alluded to. What is the role of the government in "Tropic of Orange"? How do the actions of the government affect the conflict in this novel and the resolution sought by the characters? What is the effect of having the government alluded to by unrelated characters instead of being a direct character itself?

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