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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. Why does Casaubon move?

2. What are the origins of the religious ceremonies that exist where Casaubon is living?

3. What idea is commonly associated with Agartha?

4. Casaubon compares Aglie to whom?

5. How does Casaubon's relationship with Amparo end?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Casaubon meet with Belbo and Mr. Garamond in Chapter 38?

2. What do Casaubon and Belbo overhear when they go to visit Aglie?

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

4. Who is Casaubon?

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

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

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

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

9. What were the origins of the Knights Templar?

10. What offer does Casaubon receive from Belbo in Chapter 37?

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 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

The women in Casaubon's life have a great impact on him, and affect his search for knowledge in various ways. What is Amparo's background, and how does she feel about the occult? What does Casaubon learn from her? What is Lia's outlook on Casaubon's occult activities? What does Casaubon learn from her? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

(see the answer keys)

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