English 201
Composition 2
Spring 2002
Professor David A. Salomon (davidsalomon@bhsu.edu)
Essay #1 (Fante)

Choose ONE and only one of the following questions. Answer it in a complete and thoughtful essay. Your essay should be a well-developed, clear, logical and complete idea developed from a definite thesis statement. Use the text in all instances to support your answer, but do not merely summarize plot. Refer to specifics in the text. Your paper should be 5-7 pages in length; it should be no shorter than 5 full pages.

Essays must be either typed on a typewriter or printed from a computer. This paper is due on Friday, February 8. Papers handed in late will receive a one grade deduction for each day/class late. I will be happy to look at drafts. In fact, I encourage you to come in with a draft and/or send e-mail with questions.

You need not use secondary sources for this paper; however, if you do, make sure that you have properly documented and cited any such information. You should cite the primary text (Fante’s novel) in your paper in support of claims made. Beware of using the Internet for sources unless you have thoroughly investigated the claims, the author, and the intent of such materials.

Read the questions carefully. Support all answers with examples from the text.

1) Discuss the importance of religion (specifically Catholicism) in the life of Arturo Bandini. Use at least three specific examples (but no more than five) in the novel with which to conduct your analysis. In what ways is religion important in Arturo’s life? In what ways is it important in the life of the Bandini family in general?

2) The Bandinis are first generation Italian immigrants. What does the novel have to say about the "immigrant experience" in America, particularly in the 1920s and 1930s (but don’t limit yourself to that period)? As reflected in the novel, were immigrants welcomed in America in the 1920s and 1930s? Remember, Fante himself is an Italian-American and, from what we know in his biographies, his parents were first generation immigrants. Use at least three specific examples (but no more than five) in the novel to perform your analysis.