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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. What time does the cell light go out?

2. What does Diomedon's right leg resemble?

3. Who does Emmie slip past when he opens the door to Cincinnatus's cell?

4. Who does the director say will need time to prepare for the execution?

5. What is the first thing Cincinnatus says to Emmie after she slips into his room?

Short Essay Questions

1. After telling his "joke," what does Pierre say about how Cincinnatus looks?

2. Why does Pierre turn into a circus performer?

3. Describe Pierre's circus performance.

4. Describe Cincinnatus's walk through the prison staircase.

5. Describe the view of the surrounding land that Cincinnatus sees.

6. What does Cincinnatus realize as he heads back to his cell with Rodion?

7. What does Emmie do with the water jug in Cincinnatus' cell?

8. What reason does Cincinnatus give for needing to know the schedule for his execution?

9. How does Cincinnatus describe his difference from other people?

10. What formula about mortality does Cincinnatus give, which he says applies to everyone?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss communication in the novel.

1) Why does Cincinnatus believe he has communicated with whoever he hears digging a tunnel beyond his wall? How does he feel about having communicated? What does he hope to gain through this communication?

2) How does Cincinnatus use his writing to try to communicate? What is he trying to communicate, and to whom?

3) In what other ways does Cincinnatus try to communicate with those around him? What are the obstacles to communication?

Essay Topic 2

Pierre is an important element in the novel and a representative of the forces of society that are destroying Cincinnatus. Discus Pierre's character, his attitudes, and his reactions.

1) Why does Pierre present himself as a prisoner and try to become Cincinnatus' friend? How does Pierre view his relationship with Cincinnatus?

2) What does Pierre think of himself and his position in society? How does he promote himself? How does he use language and cultural dictates to create "truth?"

3) What elements of Cincinnatus's psyche does Pierre represent?

Essay Topic 3

Constructed reality is an important element in the novel, where "reality" is very flexible and tenuous. Discuss constructed reality in the novel.

1) How does society in the novel create its own reality? How is the culture that Cincinnatus lives in inherently unreal, and merely an agreed upon way of living created by the people of the society?

2) How does Cincinnatus create his own reality? How much control does Cincinnatus have over reality?

3) How "real" is constructed reality? How much power does it have over Cincinnatus and other characters? Is there a "truer" reality below the surface as Cincinnatus seems to feel?

(see the answer keys)

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