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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. What is Pascali's purpose on the island?

2. According to Lydia, what does the Sultan constantly fear?

3. What does the crumbling island seem like a metaphor for to Pascali?

4. What does Bowles say when asked by Izzet if he has the contract with him?

5. Who owns the lands where the Sanctuary of Artemis is located?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the conversation between Lydia and Pascali about the fisherman show that Lydia is lying?

2. What is one theme that seems to be developing in this section?

3. What are some of the signs of violence/tension that seem just below the surface in Pascali?

4. Give a brief analysis of the character of Pascali.

5. How is the concept of lighting discussed and interpreted by Pascali

6. How might Pascali actually be creating a wall between him and the townspeople and then misinterpreting the townspeople's actions?

7. What is a theme that predominates this section?

8. What are some clues that Pascali thinks he has inadvertently given as to his status as a spy?

9. Discuss the theme of jealousy as it particularly applies to Pascali.

10. How does Pascali seem to view the idea of violence in this section?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Section 1 contains many symbolic representations of concepts, many of which are alluded to throughout the novel. Answer the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Follow the images of the sea throughout the novel. How is the sea described physically and what is the symbolic meaning of the descriptions?

2. What items in the first section and following sections are symbolic of violence? Name some and how they represent the idea of violence.

3. How is light discussed in section 6 and what might the images represent symbolically?

Essay Topic 2

In Section 5, Pascali notes his position of "utriusque capex" in both religion and sexuality. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Research and define the phrase "utriusque capax." What language is it? Why would Pascali be using this language? How is this phrase apropos for Pascali? Give specific examples.

2. The phrase "utriusque capax" is used in a few fields--psychology (Jungian), alchemy and music. Choose one of these areas and discuss what the phrase means in that field giving specific examples.

3. It seems that a person who is able to be capable of both (a loose translation of the phrase "utriusque capax") would make an excellent spy. Choose to defend or argue against that idea using examples from the text and personal knowledge.

Essay Topic 3

The theme of morality is introduced in Section 2 and is an integral part of understanding both the characters and the plot. Answer the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. How would you define morality as it is used in this novel?

2. Do all the characters have the same definition of morality? How do the characters differ in the way they perceive morality and in how they perceive themselves as moral people?

3. How important is it to Bowles, Lydia, Pascali and Gesing that they are perceived as moral people? Give examples to illustrate each person's belief. How important is it to each of those characters that they are actually moral people? Is there a discrepancy? Why do you think this is?

(see the answer keys)

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