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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 covers the grave of the hare-lipped girl?

2. What does Sahak talk to the overseer about when questioned about his prayer activities?

3. Whom does Sahak claim he belongs to?

4. What was significant about Eliahu's attack on Barabbas?

5. What mark does Eliahu's attack leave on Barabbas?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Where might Barabbas might have been between the time that he left the thieves and when he was in the copper mines?

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

4. What about Barabbas amazes Sahak?

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

6. What does Barabbas do after burying the hare-lipped girl?

7. What is Barabbas reaction to the true believer's action during the stoning?

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

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

10. To what do the thieves attribute Barabbas's odd behavior?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

How does the news of the impending persecution of the Christians affect the characters in the low-vaulted room? Describe the forms of persecution the Christians in the novel face. How do they react to their persecutions? What effect do their persecutions and reactions have on Barabbas?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the concept of ritual "uncleanliness." How does ritual uncleanliness differ from simply being dirty and needing a bath? What does the fear of ritual uncleanliness indicate about Barabbas's character? What irony is evident in this?

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