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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 to the second offer?

2. Who waits impatiently for all persons to arrive for the meeting?

3. How does Pascali close his report?

4. How does Bowles envision the bronze statue he finds?

5. What does Izzet tell Pascali?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do you think Pascali blends reality and illusion to create realism in imaginary settings?

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

3. What do you think is one of the main purposes of this short chapter?

4. Explain what Pascali has figured out and how Bowles fits into the picture.

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

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

7. How is the previous foreshadowing come to completion in this final section?

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

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

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

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

Section 1 contains many symbolic representations of concepts, many of which are alluded to throughout the novel. Answer the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Follow the images of the sea throughout the novel. How is the sea described physically and what is the symbolic meaning of the descriptions?

2. What items in the first section and following sections are symbolic of violence? Name some and how they represent the idea of violence.

3. How is light discussed in section 6 and what might the images represent symbolically?

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)

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