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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 Galileo, who were the ones that were "no longer moved by reason"?

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

3. What does the "Very Old Cardinal" call Galileo because of Galileo's claims?

4. What is the date of the opening of Scene III?

5. According to the "Very Thin Monk," what is equated with the home of the human race?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Andrea's mother, Sarti, worried about Galileo teaching Andrea about the revolving of the Earth around the sun?

2. Why does the Inquisitor tell Virginia that Galileo's new picture of the universe was harmful?

3. What does Virginia find out about her father's fame on the day of the party at Cardinal Bellarmin's?

4. Why is the Curator angry with Galileo after Galileo received his raise from the University with the Curator's help?

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

6. What does the Clerk mean when he tells Galileo "We can only afford moves like this"?

7. Cardinal Barberini quoted Ecclesiastes, the Preacher, when he first addressed Galileo at the party. What is Galileo's response to the Cardinal?

8. How does Galileo explain the illumination of the moon and earth to Sagredo?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

"He who does not know the truth is merely an idiot, but he who knows it and calls it a lie, is a criminal." Both Galileo and Andrea spoke these words during the action of the play. Find and discuss two references to being an "idiot" and a "criminal" in the play. Who was regarded as an "idiot"? Why? Who was regarded as a "criminal"? Why?

Essay Topic 3

The truth of science and the truth of religion are conflicted throughout the play. Discuss the following: 1) Why was the truth of religion weighed heavier than the truth of science? 2) How did new thought challenge the church? 3) How did the Church have so much clout in determining its power over new thought related to science?

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