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

2. What does Palinor wonder about as he waits for the morning?

3. Why is Severo allowed into Palinor's cell?

4. Why are the nuns distressed?

5. What vow does Josefa break?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Jamie find out when he asks around about abandoned babies?

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

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

5. What does Severo hope about Fra Murta?

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

7. What does Palinor think about as far as writings of St. Augustine?

8. What do the nuns believe about Amara and what do they do about it?

9. How does Severo feel about Fra Murta and why?

10. What does Eseranca say about Palinor?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The abbess, like Beneditx, has lived a life cut off from the real world and doesn't encounter sins such as murder and bestiality. The murder was so uneventful to Amara, who grew up in world where killing was often frequent and necessary to eat, that she doesn't even remember why she murdered her sister.

1. Do you think someone like the abbess so cut off from reality is a good person to deal with Amara? Why or why not?

2. Why do you think the murder of her sister doesn't bother Amara?

3. Do you think Amara should be found guilty of murder? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Palinor tells his entire story to the court, telling them that he rose to power through his achievements and respect of his fellow countrymen, attributes that are necessary to gain authority in the theocracy of Grandinsula.

1. From the above sentence and reading in the book what do you think a theocracy is and why would that form of government be a threat to the governing body on the island?

2. Discuss what do you think of a country where a man can become king through achievements and respect?

3. Do you think, given Palinor's background there is anyway for him to find common ground with those on the island? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Palinor commits what we would be considered horrible sexual sin in the eyes of Grandinsula's religious people. He has sex with a boy and a girl, and then watches them have sex with each other. Dolca and Joffre don't protest, however, and they seem to enjoy the learning experience. In this case, "sin" is presented as something that can be enjoyable and uplifting rather than something destructive and hurtful.

1. Do you think the definition of a "sin" which is to say something morally wrong differs from culture to culture? Why or why not?

2. It has been debated through the ages whether everyone sees immorality as representing the same behaviors. Why do you think Palinor's definition of morality is different from Beneditx's?

3. In a culture where an institution such as the church or the government defines what are right and wrong acts who benefits from the power that control people's lives with the threat of "sin" or the definition of morality? What would be the advantage to an institution to convince people that institution was the only authority that could define right and wrong?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,192 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample