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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. Which spirit do the thieve believe might have possessed Barabbas and killed him?

2. Where does the blind man sleep?

3. How do Barabbas and Sahak feel about their above ground work?

4. What might Barabbas have been doing in Lebanon?

5. What does the one-eyed slave wear?

Short Essay Questions

1. After his initial whipping, what does Barabbas do while Sahak prays?

2. Why does Sahak refuse to the leave the mines without Barabbas?

3. How do Sahak and Barabbas end up standing trial in front of the governor?

4. How does Barabbas suffer for the man who died in his place?

5. What explanation does Sahak give the governor for the inscription on the back of his medallion?

6. How does the governor view Barabbas?

7. What does Barabbas do with the hare-lipped girl's body?

8. Describe Barabbas and Sahak's relationship above ground.

9. What explanation does Barabbas give the governor for the inscription on the back of his medallion?

10. What is Eliahu's relationship to Barabbas?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What role does revenge play in the novel? Which characters are most affected by revenge and why? Compare and contrast the concept of revenge with the concept of "love one another" as seen by the characters in the novel. How does this conflict affect Barabbas' character and why?

Essay Topic 2

How does Sahak's attitude affect his character and other characters in the novel? What events and experiences appear to affect Sahak's attitude? What role does Sahak play in Barabbas's life and how does absence affect Barabbas's character?

Essay Topic 3

How do the themes of monotheism (the worship of one God) and polytheism (the worship of multiple gods) affect the characters in the novel? What implications does the introduction of monotheism have for the Romans? What implications would the introduction of polytheism have for the Jews and Christians? Why might Barabbas have chosen to search for faith in both theologies?

(see the answer keys)

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