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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. How does Pascali think the unity of the Ottoman Empire can be maintained?

2. According to Lydia, what does the Sultan constantly fear?

3. What does Pascali think when he sees what is happening on the shoreline?

4. What does Pascali see on the shore line as he passes by?

5. Why does Bowles need translation services?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are some images that seem to suggest the violence that is simmering just below the surface on this island?

2. What is the meaning of the phrase utriusque capex and how can this ability be useful to a spy?

3. How is the concept of lighting discussed and interpreted by Pascali

4. How might Pascali actually be creating a wall between him and the townspeople and then misinterpreting the townspeople's actions?

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

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

7. Of what does Pascali warn the Sultan, which taken in historical retrospect is "bad advice"?

8. What are some signs of the high level of tension present on the island?

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

10. Name a metaphor or symbol that occurs in this section and what it represents.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Section 7, while Pascali and Bowles are waiting for an audience with Pasha and Izzet, Pascali looks around the room at the many expensive imports. He finds himself filled with a sense of injustice knowing these objects have been obtained through suffering and extortion. He can almost hear them shriek. Choose one of the following and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. In considering everything that is revealed throughout the novel, what sort of suffering and extortion do you think has taken place and by whom? Give examples from the novel and from extrapolating likely scenarios from the hints provided in the novel.

2. What does it say about Pascali as an extortionist himself (as occurs in Sections 9, 10) that he is appalled by other extortionist? Or is his justifiable extortion versus some other type? Or do these thoughts here give him the idea to later try to extort money out of Bowles and at this moment, he wouldn't consider extortion?

3. Many times the behavior of one is merely a continuation of behaviors from those in authority over the one. For example, Izzet is answerable to Pasha who is answerable to someone who is answerable to someone else, all the way up to the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. Often, perpetuating injustice and suffering starts at the top and just filters downward. In other words, the standards the "top dog" adheres to tend to be the same as those in the chain under him/her keeps. The reverse is often true also in that a leader/ruler with integrity and goodness tends to have the same persons in positions of authority under him/her. Respond to these ideas using both examples from the book, research or personal experience. You can choose to agree or disagree with the ideas.

Essay Topic 2

Pascali seems convinced that his death (at the hands of an assassin) is imminent. Much of what he does is motivated from a sense of self-preservation. Answer the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Give the reasons Pascali thinks he has been found out to be a spy. Do they seem valid?

2. How does Pascali think he himself inadvertently "outed" himself as a spy? Give examples. Are the reasons he give ones that would make you suspect someone of being a spy?

3. After Pascali meets up with Politis in section 8, the exchange between the two of them changes Pascali's thoughts about whether the townspeople have figured out he is a spy. How does he change? Does this change seem logical and based on solid reasoning?

4. At the end of the book, Pascali is again waiting for his death, thinking that there are those who want to kill him. What seems to be the truth to you? Is Pascali in danger? Why or why not? Was he ever in danger throughout the entire book? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Greed informs the actions of many of the characters and ultimately leads to the actual deaths of several of them. Answer the following questions by writing a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text, your research or personal experience:

1. List the major characters in order of how greedy they seem to be; include Pascali, Bowles, Lydia, Pasha, Izzet, and Smith--and any others you choose. How does greed affect each character?

2. Why do you put whoever you chose in the position of being the greediest? The least greedy? Do you consider any of the major characters as not having any inclinations towards greed? Why or why not?

3. Do you think any of these characters are justified in being greedy? Why or why not? Is greed EVER justified? Why or why not.

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