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. What does Bowles say to the second offer?

2. When Pascali meets Izzet the next time, what does Izzet want?

3. For what purpose would he do the answer to question #97?

4. What does Pascali think Lydia has been doing?

5. What does Izzet say he knows about Bowles?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is the slaughter of the sheep symbolic of a "slaughter" that takes place within Pascali?

2. How does Pascali now see Bowles and how might that insight be both inaccurate and dangerous?

3. Summarize the interaction between Pascali and Bowles just before Pascali leaves the evacuation site and explain if you think Pascali intends to follow through on the agreement with Bowles.

4. By this section, can we be certain as to whether Pascali is a reliable narrator?

5. What do you think is Pascali's interpretation of the man he follows and sees laughing with Bowles?

6. What does Pascali seem to forget when he is rejoicing at the prospect of 150 liras?

7. What does Pascali take from Bowles' room and why does this show a different side of Pascali?

8. Explain how Pascali and Bowles agree again to be allies and whether you think either man is sincere.

9. Summarize the interaction between Pascali and Bowles and one probable hidden meaning.

10. How does the symbolism in this section express the duality of the natures of both Bowles and Pascali?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

In section 8, at the church, the wax figure of the Saint is brought forward covered by a curtain, where priests prepare him for the reenactment of the Ascension. When the curtain is drawn back, the statue is standing, clothed in robes as has been enacted for years. However, on this day, something has gone wrong and the statue suddenly falls forward, striking the concrete and beheads itself. 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 addition to much symbolism in this novel, there are also a number of metaphors. Define metaphor and symbolism and compare the two using specific examples both from the book and other sources. Which do you feel is more effective? Which seems better at expressing the idea of an abstract concept? Why would you use one over the other--give specific examples.

2. For what do you think this scene is a metaphor? Explain using specific examples. Does the metaphor work for you?

3. Write a real or hypothetical situation in your personal experience that includes one or more abstract concepts and then create a metaphor to express that experience. Next, choose a way to use symbolism in the telling of the experience. Which way seems more effective at portraying the experience?

Essay Topic 3

The characters in Pascali's Island are the central focus of the novel; in other words, the characters drive the plot rather than the other way around as is the case in some novels. 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. Write an in-depth character analysis of Pascali. Include a physical description, personality traits, and what beliefs motivate him. What do you like and dislike about this character? Why? Give specific examples.

2. Write an in-depth character analysis of Bowles. Include a physical description, personality traits, and what beliefs motivate him. What do you like and dislike about this character? Why? Give specific examples.

3. Choose three other characters besides Pascali or Bowles and write about them in relationship to both Bowles and Pascali. Are they friendly or hostile to either main character? Explain with examples. What is their purpose(s) in the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,811 words (approx. 7 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample