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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 Casaubon meet Signor Aglie?

2. What is Garamond Press?

3. Where does Aglie live?

4. Who recommends the book Casaubon goes to pick up at the library?

5. What accusation begins the confrontation at Aglie's house?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Who is Casaubon?

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

4. What does Aglie tell Casaubon about Agartha?

5. How is Signor Aglie described?

6. What is the Plan?

7. How does Aglie feel about Lorenza?

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

9. What information does Colonel Ardenti relay to Casaubon and Belbo?

10. Why are the Rosicrucians so difficult to research, compared to the Knights Templar?

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

Discuss the author's reasons for writing this novel. What can you infer about his views of the occult, based on this novel and the way it is presented? Do you think Casaubon is a character to whom he can relate? Why or why not? In what way do the author's views come out in the novel? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 974 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample