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

2. How does the Irishman rescue John Vincent Moon?

3. Why is Jaromir Hladik scheduled to be executed?

4. Why does Erik Lonnrot believe the third man in "Death and the Compass" was murdered?

5. Who is most likely the traitor that Fergus Kilpatrick sentences to death?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Jaromir Hladik complete his play?

2. In "The Form of the Sword," how does the Irishman rescue John Vincent Moon?

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

4. What discovery does Erik Lonnrot make about the murders at the fourth crime scene?

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

6. What does Jaromir Hladik regret?

7. How does the Englishman in "The Form of the Sword" receive the scar on his face?

8. Describe Ireneo Funes.

9. In "The Form of the Sword," what symbolism is evident in the scar on the Englishman's face?

10. What unique abilities does Ireneo Funes possess?

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

Describe the different narrative modes and their importance in expressing themes in literature. How does point of view affect a reader's vision of a story? When is a particular narrative mode ineffective? Why does Borges occasionally switch modes within a story?

Essay Topic 3

How does Borges use the themes of violence and revenge in his work? What satisfaction do his characters receive from violence and revenge? What positive and negative consequences do these characters experience?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,180 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample