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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. Who summons the monks to hear Abbot Joachim's last words?

2. Why do the poor look to Jesus in Capernaum?

3. Why does Judas waver in his intent to kill Jesus in the monastery?

4. Why does Jesus commit sins?

5. What does the crowd do to taunt Jesus in Chapter 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the subject of Joachim's last speech to the monks?

2. What do Philip and Judas talk about after Judas leaves Capernaum?

3. Why does Judas Iscariot visit Jesus at the beginning of the novel?

4. Where does Jesus go in Chapter 6?

5. In Chapter 11, what does Simeon say to Jesus about the possibility of Jesus being the Messiah?

6. What are Jesus's beliefs regarding the Messiah at the beginning of the novel?

7. What happens between Jesus and Mary Magdalene at sunset, on Jesus's first night in Magdala?

8. Why doesn't Jesus propose to Mary Magdalene?

9. What does the Zealot do immediately before and during his crucifixion?

10. What does Simeon advise Jesus to do, in Chapter 10, and how does Jesus respond?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Jesus begins feeling the sensation of an invisible vulture digging its claws into his skull when he is 12 years old. How does this sensation change over time? What is the message that the sensation is meant to convey, and from whom does it originate? Does the meaning of the sensation change as the sensation itself becomes more painful and intense? What effect does this sensation have on Jesus's life? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 2

The Curse follows Jesus throughout the course of the novel. How is the Curse described? Why is it following Jesus? What is its purpose? What is the significance of its armored, animalistic appearance? Why is the Curse later referred to as a mother figure? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

Essay Topic 3

Pontius Pilate dismisses Jesus as harmless, though there are others, such as Annas and Caiaphas, who feel that he is a revolutionary and a threat to Rome. Why isn't Pilate as concerned about Jesus as the others are? Why is Pilate initially reluctant to condemn Jesus? Why does he eventually comply with the others' wishes to crucify him, even though he doesn't see him as a threat? Be sure to cite specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

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