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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 "Man on the Pink Corner," what does Rosendo do after the fight with the Yardmaster?

2. In "The Secret Miracle," why is Hladik truly upset that he will be executed?

3. In "The Immortal," the troglodyte who recites poetry to Marcus is what writer?

4. In "The Theologians," what best describes Borges's characterization of theological disputes?

5. In "The Improbable Impostor Tom Castro," who convinces Tom to create a fake identity?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does "Story of the Warrior and the Captive Maiden" say about the nature of human identity?

2. Describe the significance in "The Shape of the Sword," of the last lines: "I denounced the man who protected me: I am Vincent Moon. Now despise me."

3. In "Pierre Menard, Author of Quixote," Menard wants to rewrite Cervantes' novel word for word. Why does he want to pursue such an exercise in seeming futility?

4. In "A Biography of Tadeo Isidoro Cruz (1829-1874)," what makes Tadeo decide to fight for Martin Fierro, the man he pursues?

5. In "The Circular Ruins," a man creates another man in a dream and ultimately discovers that he is a dream himself. Is Borges making a possible connection to the artistic process?

6. In "Averroes' Search," how is Borges' attempt to write of Averroes similar to Averroes own difficulties?

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

8. In "House of Asterion," is there anything sympathetic about Asterion?

9. "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?

10. In "The Theme of the Traitor and the Hero," why does Kilpatrick participate in his own assassination?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The concept of Time is a frequent theme of Borges'. Think of "The Secret Miracle," "The Man on the Threshold," "The Plot," "The Immortal," as some major examples. Pick one of these stories or choose one of your own, and describe the depiction of time. Is the passage of time contingent upon our subjective perceptions? Do events repeat themselves endlessly?

Essay Topic 2

Labyrinths are included in many of Borges' stories. Indeed, "Labyrinths" is the title of one of his collections of stories. How are these physical structures significant to his work? Consider the essence of a labyrinth: a series of mazes, designed to confuse and entrap men. How do labyrinths fit into the stories themselves? How are labyrinths symbolic for Borges' artistic intentions? Be sure to cite specific stories in your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Pick one of the following objects: knives, mirrors, coins, mystic books. Discuss how this item is used as a leitmotif in Borges' stories. What is the significance of the item, both literally and metaphorically? Why does Borges choose this precise object? All of the above choices abound in "Collected Fictions." Choose at least two stories to investigate for your chosen item.

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