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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. Who said of Stesichoros, "What a sweet genius in the use of adjectives"?

2. What does Geryon's mother suggest he use next time in making a sculpture in "Tuesday"?

3. Why is Geryon sent to his room in "Geryon's Parents"?

4. What does Geryon offer to do for his mother in the end of “Space and Time”?

5. What is Helen described as drinking a glass of in Appendix C: "Clearing Up of the Question of Stesichoros’ Blinding by Helen"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Geryon's camera represent symbolically in the novel?

2. How are volcanoes explored metaphorically in Section 6?

3. What major character in the verse novel is introduced in Section 5?

4. What is described in the poem "Herakles' Killing Arrow"?

5. What is the significance of the word "each" in the poem with the same title?

6. How is the theme of sexual dominance explored in Section 7?

7. Describe the structure of the poems in the main storyline. How are the poems similar in their format?

8. What is a palinode? What palinode is described in Appendix A: “Testimonia on the Question of Stesichoros’ Blinding by Helen”?

9. Where is Herakles hometown? How is it described?

10. How is the color red explored metaphorically in Section 7?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the significance of Geryon's dog in the novel. How is the dog described? In what poems does the dog appear? What statement is made regarding the dog in the final interview at the end of the book? What do you think is meant by this statement?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of coming of age in Autobiography of Red. What aspects of growing up are highlighted in Geryon's story? How does Geryon change as he grows from a boy into a man?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the themes of identity and the "Other" in Autobiography of Red. How are these themes developed through character, setting, and action? How does the author support these themes through symbolism and imagery?

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