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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In "The Approach to Al-Mu'tasim," which two groups are involved in a conflict?
(a) Moslems and Buddhists.
(b) Indians and British.
(c) Students and Police.
(d) Moslems and Hindus.

2. Who is Al-Mu'tasim?
(a) A blind astrologer.
(b) The student's father.
(c) A Hindu prophet.
(d) A kind Persian bookseller.

3. What opinion does the narrator have of Herbert Quain's work?
(a) It is genius.
(b) It is trite and meaningless.
(c) He could do better.
(d) It is the work of an amateur.

4. How many books does the library of Babel contain?
(a) Seven.
(b) One.
(c) All of them.
(d) A million.

5. Which room do the Purifiers seek?
(a) The Crimson Circle.
(b) The exit.
(c) The Crimson Hexagon.
(d) The Reading Room.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is the Man of the Book?

2. How does Pierre Menard describe "Don Quixote"?

3. What does Herbert Quain inspire the narrator to write?

4. In "The Approach of Al-Mu'tasim," which character writes a detective novel?

5. How is the universe described in "The Library of Babel"?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "The Circular Ruins," what fear does the protagonist have for his son?

2. Describe the satire present in "An Examination of the Work of Herbert Quain."

3. What opinion does Pierre Menard have of Cervantes' "Don Quixote"?

4. Why does Dr. Yu Tsun murder Dr. Albert?

5. Describe Herbert Quain.

6. What revelation does the narrator have about Uqbar and Tlon at the end of the story, "Tlon, Uqbar, Orbis Tertius"?

7. Describe Al-Mu'tasim.

8. What is discovered among the late Herbert Ashe's belongings?

9. What is the irony prevalent in "Pierre Menard, Author of Don Quixote"?

10. In "The Circular Ruins," what revelation does the protagonist have about his own identity?

(see the answer keys)

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