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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. In "The Theologians," why is John of Pannonia killed?

2. In "A Biography of Tadeo Isidoro Cruz (1829-1874)," what is the name of the fugitive Tadeo pursues?

3. In "The Widow Ching--Pirate," what prompts the protagonist to become a pirate?

4. In "The End," what instrument does the black man play outside Recabarren's bar?

5. In "The Immortal," what is Marcus's profession?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "The Cruel Redeemer Lazarus Morell," describe Lazarus' moral character.

2. "The Two Kings and the Two Labyrinths" ends with the words, "Glory to Him who does not die." Who is the one "who does not die," and what is the reason for this invocation?

3. In "The Lottery in Babylon," what could the lottery symbolize?

4. In "The Writing of the God," why does Tzinacan decide to stay in his cell?

5. In "Three Versions of Judas," what are the three ways Runeberg portrays Judas?

6. In "The End," does the black man who plays his guitar and continually waits outside the bar get what he has been waiting for?

7. "The Approach to Al-Mu'tasim" is a review of a book that does not exist. How is this significant?

8. In "The Widow Ching--Pirate," Ching becomes a pirate, but does she have any virtuous qualities, even in this criminal profession?

9. In "The Immortal," what is the result of immortality?

10. In "The Dead Man," why does Bandeira allow Otalora to sleep with his woman and enjoy a sense of power?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the concept of forbidden knowledge in Borges' stories. Are there certain things man should not know? Is it dangerous to try to play the Divine? Think of stories such as "The Writing of the God," "A Theologian in Death," "The Chamber of Statues," and "The Mirror of Ink." Choose at least one of these stories, and up to three in supporting your essay.

Essay Topic 2

In "The Circular Ruins," a man dreams a son into existence. At the end of the story, the man discovers that he was likewise the creation of someone's dream. How does this story reflect Idealist philosophy, where reality is based on thought and the mind? What does the story say about Borges' view toward his own literary creations? Does it suggest a possibility about all of our lives? Note and explain at least one other story, in addition to "The Circular Ruins," that also reflects Idealist philosophy.

Essay Topic 3

In "Funes, His Memory," Funes can remember his entire past, learn new languages, and absorb every detail of the present. What are the benefits of this power? What are the drawbacks? Would you like Funes' memory? Be sure to use specifics from the story in your answer.

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