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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. From what point of view is "The Circular Ruins" written?

2. What does the god of the temple promise the protagonist of "The Circular Ruins"?

3. What are the Vindications?

4. What does Dr. Yu Tsun discuss with Dr. Stephen Albert?

5. Which chess pieces are discussed in Menard's chess article?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the second dream from "The Circular Ruins."

2. What inconsistencies exist in the writings of Herbert Quain?

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

4. In "Tlon, Uqbar, Orbis Tertius," what dispute arises from the discussion about mirrors?

5. Describe the first dream from "The Circular Ruins."

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

7. What causes some people in the library of Babel to go insane?

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

9. What opinion does the narrator of "Pierre Menard, Author of Don Quixote" have of Menard's work?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Borges' use of labyrinths in "Ficciones." How does a labyrinth differ from a maze? How do characters create labyrinths, and what purpose do they serve? What warnings does Borges give his readers through the use of labyrinths?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Borges' use of infinity. How does he use verbal imagery to describe the concept of infinity? What relationship does Borges' create between the infinite universe and the finite human mind? How does he use infinite images and descriptions to express his themes?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the use of metaphors in "Ficciones." How do implicit metaphors differ from implicit metaphors? How do metaphors express themes more clearly than plain narrative? What analogies does Borges create in his stories?

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