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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. Why is Eusebia interested in Julian's children?

2. After a dream, Julian believes that he is protected by:

3. After the people proclaim Julian as Augustus, Julian learns that Constantius:

4. Julian spends 47 days in Athens:

5. What is Constantius' relationship to the brothers, Julian and Gallus?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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/

2. After a few weeks in Athens, Julian is recalled to Italy by his cousin, Augustus Constantius. What is his reaction to being recalled? Why? Why does he think Constantius may be out to get him at this point?

3. Julian loses many of the adults of his young life. Describe three of these losses and how they influence him as a youth.

4. What are Julian's observations about the people of Gaul?

5. What happens to Julian when he returns to Rome? What do you think drives Constantius to do what he does to Julian?

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. Julian first meets his cousin, Constantius, when he is 16. How does he prepare for the encounter and what is his reaction to the visit?

8. At about the same time as Julian is defeating the Germans, Helena is giving birth to their first child, a son. Describe the birth and the circumstances surrounding the occasion. How does Julian react when he learns what transpires.

9. Who is Sosipatra and what effect does she have on Julian's life?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Julian appears to have an emotional void with respect to women. Discuss Julian's relationships with and feelings about the women in his life. What do you think shape his emotions in this regard?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss some of the issue of religious conflict that are explored in this book as Julian shifts from religious ambivalence (doubt, lack of faith) to attraction and commitment to Hellenism. Explain why Julian's religious sensibilities are so important and what effect religion has on his life and career.

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)

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