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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 Widow Ching--Pirate," what occupation does Ching decide on, after she gives up pirating?

2. In "The Theme of the Traitor and the Hero," Kilpatrick participates in his own assassination for which of the following reasons?

3. In "The Man on the Threshold," how is the story the narrator hears relevant?

4. In "Hakim, the Masked Dyer of Merv," Hakim is revealed to have what disease?

5. In "Funes, His Memory," the powers of Funes can best be described as which of the following?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the theme in "The Mirror of Ink."

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

3. In "The Other Death," how does Borges suggest that Pedro Damian could actually be both a hero and a coward?

4. In "A Survey of the Works of Herbert Quain," why is Herbert upset at the success of "April March"?

5. In "Man on the Pink Corner," why does Rosendo disappear and then come back when challenged by the Yardmaster?

6. In "Death and the Compass," how does Scharlach defeat Lonnrot?

7. How does Borges portray theological disputes in "The Theologians"?

8. In "A Theologian in Death," what is Melancthon's doctrine and what are the implications of this doctrine?

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

10. How can the story "Tlon, Uqbar, and Orbis Tertius" best be described?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Is Pierre Menard's project worthwhile? Is he a fool? A visionary? Does his project say something about the nature of interpretation and meaning? Your answer should display a thorough familiarity with "Pierre Menard, Author of Quixote." Be specific in why his project is worthy or not.

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

Write an essay on issues of race in Borges' stories. "The Cruel Redeemer Lazarus Morell" seems to point out the evils of slavery. At the same time, Borges will often describe a character simply as a "black man," as if that were the defining characteristic. In "The Improbable Impostor Tom Castro," Ebenezer Bogle is described as "black" and a "genius." Does this juxtaposition suggest a belief that the two terms are usually mutually exclusive? Is Borges, in terms of race, merely the product of his times? Or, is he critiquing the racial views of his times? Use at least two stories in arguing your point.

(see the answer keys)

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