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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. When Pascali leads Izzet and the soldiers to the cove, who is dead?

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

3. What is the most significant thing about terra rossa?

4. What view of the world do Bowles and Pascali have in common?

5. What shocking news does Bowles give Pascali?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why do you think Pascali continues to let Bowles dictate the terms of their interaction?

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

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

5. How does Pascali miss an important clue about Bowles because of Pascali's own desires?

6. How do you think Pascali's perception of Bowles relationship to Pascali enables Pascali to rationalize his blackmail of Bowles?

7. In the end, what do you think Pascali is left with of any value?

8. What is ironic as Pascali reflects on whether to send this latest report to the Sultan?

9. What is odd about Pascali's reaction to Bowles's not showing up for the meeting?

10. What does it suggest to you when Bowles insists on the removal of the soldiers at the evacuation site?

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

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?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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