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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. How does the Irishman rescue John Vincent Moon?

2. Who is Nils Runeberg?

3. Why does Erik Lonnrot believe the rabbi was murdered?

4. Why does the narrator seek shelter at the Englishman's ranch?

5. How are the three murders in "Death and the Compass" related?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Jaromir Hladik.

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

3. What unique abilities does Ireneo Funes possess?

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

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

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

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

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

9. What unusual theories does Nils Runeberg propose?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Borges' use of labyrinths in "Ficciones." How does a labyrinth differ from a maze? How do characters create labyrinths, and what purpose do they serve? What warnings does Borges give his readers through the use of labyrinths?

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

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?

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This section contains 1,221 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample