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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. To what country does Casaubon travel to visit a Templar temple?

2. What does Casaubon want Belbo to use Abulafia for?

3. The land the Conservatoire des Arts et Metiers was built on was originally used for what?

4. In Belbo's account, John Dee is overtaken by whom?

5. After his initiation, Napoleon attempts to seek out a group of Templars in what country?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Aglie tell Casaubon's group about the Freemasons?

2. What was the relationship between the Templars and the Jesuits, according to Casaubon's theory?

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

4. What story does Casaubon's group devise from Abulafia's output?

5. According to Casaubon's group, what were some of the Jesuits' accomplishments?

6. What does Lia try to explain to Casaubon, in Chapter 63?

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

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

9. What does Belbo say about the believability of the Plan, in Chapter 100?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Discuss the theme of knowledge without understanding in the novel. How does the use of technology to accomplish some tasks diminish the significance of the result? How does each character feel about using computers and technology to perform certain tasks, such as permutations, and why? How does this theme, in the novel, reflect the increasing use of technology in modern society, and the author's attitude about it? 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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