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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. To what do scholars ascribe Nils Runeberg's odd beliefs?

2. Who is James Alexander Nolan?

3. In his anger, how does the Irishman injure John Vincent Moon?

4. In "Death and the Compass," how are Erik Lonnrot and the police alerted to the third murder?

5. How does Ireneo Funes die?

Short Essay Questions

1. What irony is evident in the membership of the Sect of the Phoenix?

2. How does Erik Lonnrot discover the location of the fourth murder?

3. What does Jaromir Hladik regret?

4. In "The End," why do the black man and the stranger fight?

5. What unique abilities does Ireneo Funes possess?

6. Why does Ireneo Funes suffer from insomnia?

7. Why does language frustrate Ireneo Funes?

8. What secret does the Sect of the Phoenix keep?

9. How is Fergus Kilpatrick both a traitor and a hero?

10. In "Theme of the Traitor and Hero," why are the details of Ryan's great-grandfather's death obscured?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What ironies does Borges point out in literature? How does Borges use style to create irony? What themes does Borges express through the use of irony?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

How does Borges use the theme of betrayal in his work? According to Borges, what are the long- and short-term effects of betrayal? What lesson does Borges teach about betrayal through "The Form of the Sword"?

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