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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. Where was the wine that Juvenal served at his dinner party produced?

2. Juvenal opined that just as adults cleaned their homes, they should also clean which of the following?

3. What reason did Lateranus give for his immoral behavior?

4. To which goddess did women pray in the hope of giving birth to attractive children?

5. During which age of mankind did Juvenal live?

Short Essay Questions

1. Which common behavior did Juvenal claim to be a degradation to pedigree?

2. Why did Juvenal think that it was impossible for rich men to keep secrets?

3. Why was Juvenal so proud of Catullus' actions?

4. What comparison did Juvenal make of the morality of his day to the morality of ancient days?

5. Who was Rebellius Blandus, and why did Juvenal think that he was such a dishonorable man?

6. What happened to Calvinus' fortune, and what was his reaction?

7. How did Juvenal determine which men were good rulers?

8. According to Juvenal, why was the prayer for long life a foolish one?

9. Why did Persicus dine at Juvenal's home?

10. According to Juvenal, why was it a bad idea for parents to pray for attractive children?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Juvenal is discussing women with Postumus, he uses many famous women from the pages of history as examples to support his arguments, specifically Medea, Clytemnestra, Procne, Eriphyle, and Danaids. Choose two of those women, and compare/contrast their relationships with men. What point is Juvenal trying to make by using each of those women as examples in his arguments? How does the behavior of those women compare/contrast with the behavior of the women whom Juvenal sees in his society today?

Essay Topic 2

Juvenal's friend, Umbricius, is determined to not move away from Rome. Why does Umbricius feel that he must leave Rome? How does Juvenal react to Umbricius' move? Given the political state of Rome, which man's argument merits more of your empathy? Why?

Essay Topic 3

As the Satires begin, Juvenal immediately begins to lambaste anyone who attempts to write poetry, even though he considers himself a poet. How does Juvenal feel that the public handles poetry? In his opinion, is poetry worth writing? Why or why not? Finally, explain what Juvenal's argument tells the reader about his personality.

(see the answer keys)

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