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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. According to the Curator, what republic refuses the Inquisition any say in scientific affairs?

2. According to Bellarmin, whose responsibility is it to interpret the Bible?

3. According to Galileo, when informed upon the Holy Office's findings, who accepted Galileo's observations?

4. How old is Galileo's daughter, Virginia, in Scene II?

5. What does Galileo say he bought instead of paying the milkman?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Andrea questions Galileo about the Ptolemaic system model, what is Galileo's answer?

2. What lie does Galileo tell the Senators about the telescope to secure his raise at the University?

3. Why does Galileo say the sailing of ships across the sea creates "a great desire has arisen to fathom the causes of all thing[s]"?

4. Why does the Inquisitor have the conversation between Galileo and Cardinal Bellarmin transcribed?

5. Why does Ludovico seem upset with Galileo at the end of Scene II?

6. Why does Galileo refuse to let Virginia look through the telescope?

7. Why does the Curator refuse to give Galileo the raise that he requests for his work as a mathematician at the University?

8. What is happening at the opening of Scene I?

9. Why is Sagredo afraid for Galileo concerning Galileo's move to Florence?

10. Why does Galileo believe that naming the new stars by the name Medici would allow him some leeway on his studies?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Galileo's students were sure that he would not recant his thoughts on the model of the universe that Galileo had brought forth. Discuss how and why two of the characters reacted to his recanting as they did. What did they say? How did they treat Galileo? Why did they react as they did? Who was the most disappointed in Galileo and why?

Essay Topic 2

In Scene Thirteen, Galileo received a gift of two plucked geese. The peasant who delivered the geese was told to tell Galileo that "They are from someone passing through." Who do you believe sent the geese to Galileo? Why do you believe this? Use textual evidence to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

During the party at Cardinal Bellarmin's home, both of the attending Cardinals wore masks. Discuss the relevance of the masks for each Cardinal. What did the mask look like? What could the mask represent? What could be misconstrued by the mask?

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