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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. At one point in the Gaul campaign, Julian considers:

2. As a child of Mithra, Julian believes in:

3. While in Gaul, during the actual fighting against the German invaders, Julian:

4. Which of the two brothers find favor with Constantius?

5. After Eusebia dies, Constantius marries:

Short Essay Questions

1. Once he is appointed Caesar, Julian is immediately sent to Gaul. Constantius surrounds him with spies and men loyal to the Augustus and does not give him much in the way of military or political support. How does Julian deal with this situation?

2. 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?

3. What do the letters of Priscus and Libanius reveal about the culture and customs that exist in Rome at the time of their correspondence?

4. 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.

5. Describe Julian's relationship with his brother, Gallus.

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

7. Gallus and his wife, Constantia, appear to be cut from the same cloth. What do you learn about them and their tastes and habits?

8. 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?

9. Julian marries Helena in 355. What is their relationship like? Why do you think the relationship is as it is?

10. Describe Gallus' feelings toward his brother Julian.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Libanius wants very much to publish a manuscript of Julian's memoirs. What is Libanius' motivation for wanting to publish the manuscript? Do you think it is a good idea to publish this manuscript? Why do you think Theodosius forbids publication of the manuscript? Do you think Libanius should be allowed to publish? Why or why not? What happens if he publishes the manuscript?

Essay Topic 2

Libanius and Priscus introduce the story of Julian, participate in the action, and exchange correspondence that ends the book. What are the roles of Libanius and Priscus in the story? What narrative or stylistic purposes does it serve to have their letters and their recollections about Julian woven into the story? How do you reconcile their memories with his? Do you think they are sympathetic to Julian or not? Why or why not? How would you describe the literary purpose of these men with respect to the story?

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)

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