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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 Fergus Kilpatrick die?

2. In "Death and the Compass," what do the police find at each crime scene?

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

4. Who is Fergus Kilpatrick?

5. In "The Form of the Sword," when does the Irish rebellion take place?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Ireneo Funes.

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

3. How do the stranger and the black man feel about their rivalry?

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

5. Why does language frustrate Ireneo Funes?

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

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

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

9. What theory does Erik Lonnrot have about the murders in "Death and the Compass"?

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 infinity. How does he use verbal imagery to describe the concept of infinity? What relationship does Borges' create between the infinite universe and the finite human mind? How does he use infinite images and descriptions to express his themes?

Essay Topic 2

What is absurdist fiction, and how does Borges employ this genre in his work? What relationship exists between absurdism and satire? What is the purpose of absurdist fiction, and how is it often misinterpreted?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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This section contains 1,204 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample