View a FREE sample

This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What has Camus to say about Kirilov's reasoning?
(a) It should be the basis of further discussion.
(b) It is absurd, but it is necessary.
(c) It is rational and therefore necessary.
(d) It is ridiculous, but must be considered.

2. What are the condemned man's last words?
(a) 'Such is life.'
(b) 'Like a dog.'
(c) 'It is a far, far better rest that I go to.'
(d) 'I am innocent!'

3. What has been the focus of don Juan's existence?
(a) Absurd escapades.
(b) Short-lived joys.
(c) Avoiding conflict.
(d) Self-actualization.

4. Who was Adrienne Lecouvreur?
(a) A French actress.
(b) A French composer of operetta.
(c) Voltaire's mistress.
(d) A French philosopher.

5. What is a consequence of love?
(a) Marriage and children.
(b) The stronger the love, the less absurd it is.
(c) It is impossible to assess because every relationship is different.
(d) The stronger the love, the stronger the absurdity.

6. What comment does Camus make about Greek tragedy?
(a) It is rich in lessons.
(b) It is obscure, hard to comprehend.
(c) It is too culturally specific to be useful.
(d) It is over-estimated.

7. What assertions are always false?
(a) That being is false and nothingness is inevitable.
(b) That everything is true and that everything is false.
(c) That everything is invisible and nothing is true.
(d) That humans are wise and invincible.

8. What is the main idea in the final paragraph of the essay 'The Myth of Sisyphus'?
(a) We can't be free unless the gods allow it.
(b) All we can do is struggle.
(c) The struggle for achievement is enough: it is its own reward.
(d) No matter how hard we struggle, the gods will always win.

9. What were the consequences of Sisyphus putting Death in chains?
(a) Pluto's empire became deserted and silent.
(b) People partied continuously because Death never visited them.
(c) Pluto took Medea hostage.
(d) Death took a terrible revenge.

10. In The Castle, what is significant about the character Amalia?
(a) She is meant to be a representation of Helen of Troy.
(b) She is the only character without hope.
(c) She is pregnant.
(d) She is a dwarf.

11. What comment does Camus make concerning suffering?
(a) It must be endured.
(b) It should be avoided.
(c) It is useless.
(d) It is ennobling.

12. What does Camus claim is different about his discussion of suicide?
(a) His views have been formed after conducting many interviews.
(b) He sees it as an individual matter, not purely a social one.
(c) His attitude to it is more sympathetic.
(d) It is easier to read than most works of philosophy.

13. What is the hero's great fear following his transformation?
(a) That his girlfriend will find out.
(b) His father's anger.
(c) His boss' anger.
(d) His mother's tears.

14. How does Camus see Sisyphus vis-a-vis his fate?
(a) Sisyphus is superior to his fate.
(b) Sisyphus is crushed by his fate.
(c) Sisyphus is a victim of playful gods.
(d) Sisyphus is crushed by the rock.

15. What technique is employed by philosophical novelists?
(a) They use imagery rather than argument to convey their ideas.
(b) They often construct their novels as conversations.
(c) They write with heavy didacticism.
(d) They use characters as mouthpieces for their philosophy.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the most harrowing passion of all?

2. What is a characteristic of wisdom?

3. Which art and science have close affinity?

4. What binds a man to the absurd?

5. Why is it necessary to read a Kafka work twice?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 641 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample