View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Constantius dies of:

2. Gallus tells Constantius that Julian wants to become:

3. Julian's first indication that he becomes a great warrior and leader comes from:

4. In planning his battle strategy, Julian often depends on:

5. After he becomes emperor, Julian again faces the threat of invasion along his borders. This time, the threat is from:

Short Essay Questions

1. Julian is gaining confidence and developing skill as a military leader. Cite evidence or his military skills and success at about this time (356-358).

2. Julian's friend Oribasius reminds him that he is in possession of a packet of instructions from Constantius and urges him to open the packet. What information is contained in the packet? How does Julian react to the information?

3. What does Gallus' treatment of Hilarius show about his character? What does Julian's reaction to the Hilarius incident reveal about his character?

4. What happens when Julian finally has his long-awaited battle with the Germans? What does he carry into battle with him and how does he feel about carrying the item?

5. Why is Priscus reluctant to be involved with the writing/publishing of the Julian manuscript?

6. In Chapter V, Gallus is named Caesar and marries Constantius's sister, Constantia. Do you think this is a coincidence? How do you explain these two almost simultaneous occurrences?

7. Why does Libanius seek to publish a manuscript about Julian 20 years after his death?

8. Julian often claims that he dislikes the ritual, etiquette and intrigue of the royal court, that he does not seek to acquire rank or power, and that he longs only to become a scholar. Do you think this is true? Give evidence for your answer/

9. Describe Julian's relationship with his father. How does he know his father loves him?

10. What do Basil and Gregory represent to Julian?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast the two brothers, Julian and Gallus, as boys, as young men and as Caesars. How are their ways of dealing with the world and with other people different/similar? What do you learn about their goals, desires, beliefs and principles? How do the two brothers change over time?

Essay Topic 2

What ultimately brings Julian down and causes and his era to end? Do you think it is Julian himself? Do you think it is his destiny or the will of the people or simply the march of history or some other factor that brings Julian's reign and the changes he seeks to effect to a halt? Explain Julian's ultimate failure and death in big picture terms.

Essay Topic 3

Several differing points of view are presented in the story of Julian. Julian, Libanius and Priscus serve as narrators at various times in the story and they see some events differently. Compare and contrast their points of view. Why does the author include differing points of view? How does this contribute to the texture of the story? Which point of view represents the truth or the most accurate historical perspective?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,158 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample