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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. The people of Antioch blame the famine on:

2. Among the principal military commanders who accompany Julian into Persia are all of these except:

3. Julian claims not to know how he gets wounded. Callistus:

4. Julian relies on his financial adviser to advise him on how to deal with shortages caused by the famine. This adviser's name is:

5. When Julian gives orders for the army to head north, it is a sign that they are headed:

Short Essay Questions

1. After Constantius dies and his will is read, Julian's position as Augustus is solidified and validated. How? What is the first thing Julian does to demonstrate his power?

2. Priscus, for one, takes a different viewpoint about Julian's popularity and his claims that he is beloved by the army and the people of Rome. What does Priscus say to Libanius about Julian's public image at the time of his ascension to Augustus?

3. What happens when Julian's army encounters the Persian army near Ctesiphon? What orders does Julian give? How does he act in front of the troops? What do you think is actually going on in his mind?

4. Describe Julian's lifestyle after he becomes Augustus.

5. When Julian's army and the general populace begin calling for Julian to become Augustus, he seems unsure how to react. Do you think he wants to become Augustus or not? Why does he seem to act so coy about the people's call?

6. How does Julian really feel about religion at the time of his ascension to the position of Augustus?

7. Several things happen that suggest to Julian that his death may be imminent. Cite some of these occurrences. What does Julian think about these incidents and how does he react?

8. Describe the scene of the battle near Ctesiphon the next day. What does Julian do during the battle? What does he do immediately after the battle?

9. How does Julian react when the signs and messages from the deities are not what he wants to hear?

10. Throughout his life, Julian is influenced and makes decisions based on signs, omens and dreams. At one point, he dreams about a tree. Describe this dream and his interpretation of it.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of characters and incidents in the story that show a side of Julian that is kind, compassionate, caring and sympathetic. How do you reconcile this aspect of Julian's personality with his political wiliness, his behavior on the battlefield, his contempt for Christianity and efforts to eradicate it, and other harsh or uncompromising aspects? Which is the 'real' Julian?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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