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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. In 1627, Italy was on the brink of which upcoming skirmish?

2. What was the name of the famous and extremely powerful family from that country?

3. What word is used to describe something that is opposite or against?

4. How old was the Cardinal when he accepted the position of the Supreme Pontiff?

5. Shortly after, Vincenzo and Sestilia announced the birth of their second child, a boy named:

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the opening letter in "Galileo's Daughter" by Dava Sobel. Who was the writer? What was the subject?

2. Why did Galileo have to go through regular channels if the Pope approved of the work? Who was responsible for issuing the printing licenses?

3. What significant event took place during Galileo's time in Rome?

4. What was the purpose of Galileo's next trip to Rome? Who did he see?

5. What was the name of the Pope elected in Part 2? When was the Pope elected? What was his former identity?

6. Explain the first experience with a telescope. Also explain what it meant to the future study of the galaxy.

7. Which scientist most influenced the work of Galileo? What was Galileo's intention with his experiments?

8. Discuss some of the complaints the Galileis had regarding various illnesses.

9. Why do you think Maria Celeste had such a special bond with her father, aside from her position in the family?

10. What was the major difference in the opportunities given to Vincenzio as opposed to those given to Maria Celeste and Arcangela?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the beliefs and the work of Galileo and Bruno. Was Galileo inspired by Bruno? What was Bruno's main credo? What was Galileo's main credo? What was the biggest similarity between the men, professionally and personally?

Essay Topic 2

Livia and Virginia remained illegitimate, even though Galileo claimed the daughters as his own. Vincenzio, on the other hand, was legitimized by the Church. Why? Explain why Vincenzio was treated differently. What did it mean to be "legitimized?" How did it affect Vincenzio's career? How did the act change Galileo's career?

Essay Topic 3

Galileo's Dialogues are often referred to as a journal of sorts. The dialogues contain some fiction along with science and an accounting of Galileo's activities. Write a synopsis of the Dialogues. Include references to famous people of the day.

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