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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. At the end of Scene X, what has the Pope finished doing?

2. What does Galileo claim is ruining Virginia's complexion?

3. Why does Andrea say that Galileo could not have stayed in the Republic?

4. What is the date at the opening of Scene XI?

5. What is the only thing that the people from the "Little Monk's" village knew about?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Galileo use the satire of Horace to explain the necessity of all parts of his study being present in his observations?

2. Why does Vanni tell Galileo that he is on his side regarding Galileo's teachings?

3. What does Brecht mean when he wrote, "The depths are hot, the heights are chill. The streets are loud, the court is still" at the opening of Scene IX?

4. In the opening of Scene VII, why does the "Little Monk" admit to Galileo that he has not been able to sleep?

5. What was Galileo speaking about to the "Little Monk" when he spoke of his feelings for beauty and truth?

6. What did the astronomer at the University tell Virginia about her horoscope?

7. What do Andrea and the "Little Monk" compare the possibility of Galileo recanting to?

8. Why does Galileo think that Cardinal Bellarmin gifted him a Cellini clock?

9. What lie does Galileo tell Virginia about being summoned by The Duke?

10. Why is Galileo not worried about the Cardinal Inquisitor being in Florence?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"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 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

"I am entirely in agreement with the position taken up by Cardinal Spoletti towards the mutinous rope-makers, namely, that it is better to dole out soup in the name of Christian brotherly love than to pay them more for their" hawsers and bell-ropes. For surely it must be wiser to fortify their faith rather than their greed. The Apostle Paul said: Charity aboundeth." Galileo made the following statement in response to a question posed by Monsignor Carpula for the archbishop. After making the statement, Galileo worried if one could see any irony in the statement. Discuss the possible irony that Galileo worried about. What could one find that was ironic in the statement? Why could this be considered ironic? What trouble would it cause for Galileo if one did find irony in the statement?

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