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. When Julian learns that Eusebia is gravely ill:

2. Julian desires to use his authority as Augustus to influence the Romans to restore:

3. Julian describes all these aspects of the mysteries of Hellenism, except:

4. Julian describes the people of Gaul as all of these except:

5. After his brief interlude in Athens, Julian returns to:

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Julian insists that his brother is led astray by Constantia. Do you think this is true? What evidence can you cite to support your answer?

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

4. Describe Julian's initiation into the mysteries of Eleusis. Who initiates him and what are some of the initiation rites?

5. In Chapter V, Julian has a religious experience that has a great impact on his life. Explain.

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. On numerous occasions, Julian ignores, forgives or excuses his brother's vile behavior. Why do you think he does this?

8. 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?

9. Julian meets Macrina and her uncle, Prohaeresius, while he is in Athens. What role do these two individuals play in Julian's life?

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Julian enjoys his 47 days in Athens immensely. Why does Athens appeal to Julian? What does it represent to him? Explain the significance of this period in Julian's life.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout his life, Julian is greatly influenced by signs, omens, dreams and prophecies. Discuss Julian's reliance in signs, prophecies, dreams and omens. Is it a weakness, a flaw or a legitimate philosophical perspective? Consider the idea of self-fulfilling prophecies and the power of suggestion in Julian's life.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,208 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample