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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. What happens to Amparo during the ritual she attends with Aglie?

2. The owner of the villa allegedly possesses what mysterious items?

3. What is Garamond Press?

4. Belbo claims he is being chased by whom?

5. On the way to the ritual, Casaubon's group spends the night at which group member's family home?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the Plan?

2. How did the Knights Templar become such a rich and powerful organization?

3. What is Casaubon doing, as the novel opens?

4. What idea does Mr. Garamond get from his meeting with Professor Bramanti?

5. Why does Professor Bramanti meet with Mr. Garamond?

6. What were the origins of the Knights Templar?

7. How did the official end of the Knights Templar occur?

8. What are the origins of the religious traditions of Brazil, according to Aglie's discussion with Casaubon and Amparo?

9. How did Casaubon, Belbo and Diotallevi meet?

10. What is Project Hermes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss some of the literary devices employed by the author in the novel (flashbacks, foreshadowing, symbolism, etc.) How effective is the author's use of these devices, and why? Where were they used in the novel, and to what end? Do these elements flow naturally within the text, or do they seem forced or poorly transitioned? Why? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

Many different views are expressed in the novel regarding occult knowledge; for example, Bramanti wants to disseminate occult knowledge because of the power inherent in it, whereas Garamond cares only for the profit that can be gained from selling it. Discuss the different views of occult knowledge and mysticism presented in the novel, and reasons for each of those views. Which one do you agree with most, and why? Which one do you think the author would agree with, and why? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the pendulum as a symbol. What does it represent? Why is the novel named after it? What role does it play in the lives of the main characters? How does the author seem to feel about it? What is the significance of Belbo being hanged from it, and the double pendulum that creates? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

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