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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. Belbo claims he is being chased by whom?

2. Where is Agartha located?

3. Who is Colonel Ardenti?

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

5. Who encouraged the rumors being spread about the Knights Templar?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Aglie's response when Casaubon asks him why he associates himself with so many different occult practices?

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

3. What changed, in Italy, during the time that Casaubon was living in Brazil?

4. What does Casaubon witness at the ceremonies Aglie invited him and his group to?

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

6. How do Belbo and Casaubon become involved with the police, in Chapter 24?

7. What do Salon and Casaubon discuss during their first reunion in the mine?

8. What were the origins of the Knights Templar?

9. How does Casaubon unlock Belbo's computer?

10. Why do Belbo, Diotallevi and Casaubon meet at Pilade's in Chapter 13?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Lorenza's relationship with Belbo is a complicated one. How does Belbo feel about her, and how does she respond? What effect does their relationship have on Belbo? How is she involved in Belbo's murder? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the character of Lorenza, and her role as a symbol of knowledge. Why does Aglie call her Sophia? What does that name mean? How does she interact with the other characters, particularly Casaubon? How do her interactions with the other characters reflect their search for knowledge? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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