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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. Did Zeno cry immediately when he discovered that his father was ill?

2. What did Alberta say she wanted to do with her life?

3. How did Zeno tell his father he viewed religion?

4. How does Zeno think his father felt about Zeno's future?

5. How many hours a day did Zeno tell Tullio he worked in his office?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Zeno say it was difficult for him to spend time with his father?

2. How did Zeno's wife seem to feel about the idea of him going into the sanatorium?

3. What did Zeno say to Maria when she initially cried over his father's condition?

4. How did Ada behave towards Zeno while he was intent on falling in love with her?

5. What was the last thing Zeno's father did before he died?

6. How did Zeno describe Ada's appearance?

7. Why did Zeno marry Augusta?

8. What two events does Zeno say stopped him from stealing?

9. Why did Zeno go to see Dr. Canestrini?

10. How did Zeno behave in the company of Giovanni's daughters?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Zeno questions whether he is good in this book.

1) Is Zeno good?

2) What does it mean to be good or bad?

3) Can a person be all good or all bad?

4) Does Zeno ever decide whether he is good or not?

Essay Topic 2

Describe Zeno's married life with Augusta.

1) Why does he come to love her?

2) What kind of love does it seem Zeno wants from Augusta?

3) Does Zeno's love for Augusta cure him of his lust for women?

Essay Topic 3

Examine Zeno's desire to be liked.

1) Why is it important to Zeno that others like him even if he doesn't really like them?

2) How does Zeno attempt to make people like him?

3) Does anyone genuinely like Zeno for whom he is and in spite of his flaws?

4) Does Zeno like himself?

(see the answer keys)

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