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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. Where does Palinor go with Fra Murta?

2. What does Palinor tell Fra Murta about his captains?

3. What do the nuns believe about Amara and Fra Murta?

4. From whom does Jamie find out about Amara's birth?

5. What do Severo and Fra Murta find out about Amara's knowledge of God?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Fra Murta tell Severo about Aclar?

2. Why are the nuns upset and what does Pare Aldonza say and then suggest?

3. Summarize the discussion between Severo and Fra Murta about conscience and Palinor.

4. What happens with Beneditx?

5. What does Sor Agnete realize about the crucifix in the chapel?

6. Why is Josefa pleased with the way Amara is thinking?

7. What does Jamie do when he comes for Amara and what does he do with her?

8. Why is Severo looking on a map of the world?

9. What does Jamie find out about Amara's birth mother?

10. Describe Severo's dream and what he sees is the moral in it.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

This chapter elaborates on some of the primary religious questions raised in the novel. Palinor believes he arrived on the island by accident, while Severo and Beneditx believe his presence must have a godly purpose.

1. Do you think Palinor arrived at the island by accident? Why or why not?

2. Why do you think Severo and Beneditx want to persuade Palinor his coming was no accident?

3. If Palinor is burned at the stake for his lack of belief, would that change your answer to the first two questions? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The fiery scene that Palinor encounters, as he enters Ciudad, represents Palinor's fear of dying by fire, and his fate in hell that religious leaders believe awaits unrepentant heretics. Fire is the one connection that Palinor shares with his religious adversaries and the only thing Palinor seems to be afraid of.

1. Discuss the symbolism surrounding the scene when Palinor rides into Ciudad.

2. Discuss in detail what kind of man do you think Fra Murta is that he would have the people out on the streets with torches for Palinor to see.

3. Why is Palinor's fear of dying by fire reasonable?

Essay Topic 3

Beneditx struggles through the night with anger. He remembers his mother, who was single and provided for her son by mending linen and making clothes. The only thing that made her angry was, when her sewing tools were blunt or her thread would break. Benedict feels like his arguments with Palinor have been like those blunt tools, and he is angry that he did not recognize the errors that Palinor has pointed out. Beneditx knows his sin is pride in his own intelligence, and he has never before experienced the pain of defeat.

1. Do you think Beneditx is angry at himself or at Palinor? Why or why not?

2. No one likes to think they are very good at a particular skill and then find that someone else is better. What do you think Beneditx should do with the way he is feeling?

3. Do you think it is wrong for Beneditx to have pride in his intelligence? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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