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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. What does the narrator think of Pierre Menard's rewrite?

2. What are Uqbar and Tlon?

3. In "Tlon, Uqbar, Orbis Tertius", what country are the characters searching for in the The Anglo-American Encyclopedia?

4. Which Menard manuscript describes the possibility of a new vocabulary?

5. Who is Dr. Yu Tsun?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "The Examination of the World of Herbert Quain," how does Borges use fictional literature to present his themes?

2. Describe Al-Mu'tasim.

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

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

5. What fear does the Company in "The Babylon Lottery" inspire?

6. What is unique about the Babylon lottery?

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

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

9. What is the most important possession to the people of Tlon?

10. Why do some players of the Babylon lottery end up in jail?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Borges' philosophy of fate as expressed in his work. How do the actions of his characters affect their fate? In Borges' work, what contradictions exist between fate and destiny? Is fate determined by choice or are choices predetermined by fate?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the theme of information as presented in "Ficciones." According to Borges, what role does information play in society? How do individuals seek to control information? Can information be suppressed?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Borges' use of cowards, heroes, and traitors. What dualities exist among many of Borges' characters? How do cowards and traitors find redemption? What contributions to society do Borges' heroes make?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,254 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample