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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 doesn't Casaubon bring anyone with him to help Belbo?

2. Why does the mysterious caller ask Belbo to go to Paris?

3. According to Casaubon's conclusions after talking to Salon, what role do the Jews play in the Templar conspiracy?

4. Belbo and Casaubon interpret the computer's output to mean that Jesus fathered what line of kings?

5. What is Aglie's response to the group Casaubon adds to the list?

Short Essay Questions

1. According to Casaubon's theory about the Jesuits, who were the Rosicrucians and the Scottish Rite Freemasons?

2. What happens in the story Belbo creates from Abulafia's printouts?

3. Casaubon believes that John Dee played what role in the disruption of the Templars' line of communication?

4. What are Casaubon's speculations about Mr. Postel, in Chapter 88?

5. What experiment does Casaubon want to conduct with Abulafia?

6. What was Napoleon's role in the Jesuit-Templar conflict?

7. What happens during the trip Belbo takes with Lorenza?

8. What is set up by the cloaked individuals in the Conservatoire?

9. What does Casaubon do after the night at the Conservatoire?

10. What do Salon and Casaubon talk about when Casaubon visits Salon in his shop?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Amparo values reason over spirituality and mysticism, and is so embarrassed by her possession experience that she leaves Casaubon and never returns. Why is she so mortified by this experience? Why does she value reason so highly? What about her culture makes her more inclined toward mysticism, and why does she oppose those impulses? 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 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.

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