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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 demand?

2. Who is Bowles supposed to meet with at the opening of this section?

3. What does Bowles say to the second offer?

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

5. What is the likely reason Bowles has suddenly brought up the presence of the soldiers?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is some information that Pascali has learned in this section and do you think any of the information will determine a course of action for Pascali?

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

3. What do you think is a possible instance of foreshadowing in this section?

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

5. 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.

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

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

8. Is there anything in this section that gives a different view of Bowles and perhaps makes him a more likable character?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Section 10, Bowles suggests he is working for another party, a fact that Pascali nearly misses in his desire for money. Pascali's failure to note this detail with more attention shows his deep desire to escape the island, as he is willing to believe anything for an opportunity of a better life. Answer the following questions by writing a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text, your research or personal experience:

1. List some of the reasons Pascali thinks he has a terrible life on the island. Do you think his reasons are valid?

2. Do you think Pascali could have improved his life on the island? How? Why do you think he has not?

3. In Section 6, Pascali thinks eats grapes and halvah and realizes he loves them both, as he loves the island. This seems contradictory to his sometimes desperate desire to leave the island. Discuss how Pascali can both love and hate the island and his life there.

Essay Topic 2

In Section 5, Pascali notes his position of "utriusque capex" in both religion and sexuality. 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. Research and define the phrase "utriusque capax." What language is it? Why would Pascali be using this language? How is this phrase apropos for Pascali? Give specific examples.

2. The phrase "utriusque capax" is used in a few fields--psychology (Jungian), alchemy and music. Choose one of these areas and discuss what the phrase means in that field giving specific examples.

3. It seems that a person who is able to be capable of both (a loose translation of the phrase "utriusque capax") would make an excellent spy. Choose to defend or argue against that idea using examples from the text and personal knowledge.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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