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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. Why does Ryan believe Fergus Kilpatrick's murder was never solved?

2. What happens to the Irishman at the end of "The Form of the Sword"?

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

4. In "Death and the Compass," what does the reader learn about the clues found at the crime scenes?

5. What talent does Ireneo Funes possess?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How is "Three Versions of Judas" designed to deceive the reader?

3. How does Jaromir Hladik complete his play?

4. In "Theme of the Traitor and Hero," what coincidences raise Ryan's suspicion?

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

6. What does the house in "Death and the Compass" symbolize?

7. What unique abilities does Ireneo Funes possess?

8. What does Jaromir Hladik regret?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Several of Borges' stories are designed to imitate detective mysteries and puzzles. Describe how he uses these literary devices and styles to express his themes. What responsibility does Borges place on the readers of these stories? How does the reader's search for a solution teach him or her about the theme?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Compare Borges' style of writing with the genre of hypertext fiction. How is "Ficciones" a precursor to hypertext fiction? What are the "forking paths" in "Garden of the Forking Paths"? What does Borges mean when he asks his readers to "become aware of all the possible choices we might make"?

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This section contains 1,442 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample