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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. What does Bowles say when asked by Izzet if he has the contract with him?

2. Who is uneasy in Lydia's world?

3. Who does Pascali follow?

4. Of what does Pascali become painfully aware?

5. Who owns the lands where the Sanctuary of Artemis is located?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Pascali very careful about how he describes Bowles to Izzet?

2. What historical event is introduced in this section and how is it linked symbolically to the major plot?

3. Give a brief analysis of the character of Pascali.

4. How is Pascali's visit to Lydia a metaphor for the Ottoman Empire?

5. How is the theme of deceit demonstrated by Bowles during the transaction with Pasha?

6. Of what do you think the discussion of morality and self-preservation might be symbolic?

7. What is one theme that seems to be developing in this section?

8. What does Lydia report about the Sultan and how does this report impact Pascali?

9. How do Bowles and Pascali view Lydia's painting differently and what surprises Pascali about the way Lydia and Bowles discuss art?

10. If you were receiving Pascali's spy reports, how would you treat them?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Section 9, the symbolic representation of Bowles' arm and Lydia's body as they made love in Pascali's memory shows Pascali's belief that Bowles and he are unique in their ability to blend reality with lies. Answer the following questions by writing a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text, your research or personal experience:

1. Do you think the ability to blend reality with lies is unique to Pascali and Bowles in the novel? Who else do you think has this ability? Is it an ability? A defect in character? A psychological problem?

2. How about in "real" life--do you know people who blend reality with lies? Give some examples when you have encountered someone who does this. Did it make you distrust the person?

3. Is there ever a good reason to blend reality with lies? What about for emotional protection when a child is in an abusive situation? Ultimately who is most harmed by someone who blends reality with lies--the one doing it or the one who believes the person? Or both?

Essay Topic 2

There are a number of themes that run as a thread throughout the novel. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Trace the development of the political theme. Use specific examples to illustrate how this theme is expressed. Analyze the examples and offer an analysis of the existing political situation during this novel.

2. Trace the development of the theme of duality. Use specific examples to illustrate how this theme is expressed. Analyze the examples and offer an analysis of the how the concept of duality manifest in character personalities and in the physical setting.

3. Trace the development of the theme of deception. Use specific examples to illustrate how this theme is expressed. Analyze the examples and offer an analysis as to why this theme is central to the novel's plot.

Essay Topic 3

In Section 10, as Pascali walks to the meeting with Izzet for payment, he smells the blood of the sheep slaughter and reflects that he himself feared this death until recently. Answer the following questions by writing a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text, your research or personal experience:

1. There are often meanings in a sentence or word that have what is called a "double entendre" or "adianoeta" (a lesser-used word). The double entendre of the phrase "blood of the sheep slaughter and reflects that he himself feared this death until recently" is quite subtle. How do you think this description has a double entendre? Explain.

2. Find a few examples throughout the book of words and/or phrases that can have a double entendre. Cite each one and the meanings the phrase can have. How does a double entendre enhance the scene, dialog, or meaning?

3. Can you think of instances in your life when you say something that means two different things? What are some examples of double entendre you have used in your own life?

4. What other author have you read that tends to use the double entendre (think Shakespeare, many poets, etc...)? Find examples find some other works and discuss them.

(see the answer keys)

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