View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is the student searching for in "The Approach to Al-Mu'tasim"?

2. In "The Approach to Al-Mu'tasim," where does the student go after he leaves Indapur?

3. What does Ts'ui Pen wish to create before his death?

4. How is the lottery unusual?

5. What is unique about the objects from Tlon that are released into the narrator's world?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Describe Herbert Quain.

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

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

6. Why is the student trying to find Al-Mu'tasim?

7. According to the narrator, what is the most important theme of "The Approach of Al-Mu'tasim"?

8. What is the significance of the student in "The Approach of Al-Mu'tasim" relinquishing his social status?

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

10. Describe Dr. Yu Tsun.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the philosophy of idealism. How does Borges express the tenets of idealism in "The Circular Ruins"? What power does Borges attribute to the human mind?

Essay Topic 2

What is the symbolism of Moon's scar? Why does he hide his identity when the scar is clearly visible? What impact might the scar have on his ability to find redemption for his actions?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,142 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample