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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is significant about Gordianus lacking a surname?
(a) It indicates that he is a criminal.
(b) It indicates that he is not the firstborn son.
(c) It indicates that he is a slave.
(d) It indicates that his family is not important in society.

2. In Chapter 2, what happens as Tiro and Gordianus walk through the streets?
(a) Slaves are congregating to stage an uprising.
(b) A scuffle breaks out and a gladiator is stabbed.
(c) A mob robs a shop.
(d) A woman strips in the street.

3. During their investigation at the House of Swans, Gordianus is told that Elena______________________.
(a) Ran away.
(b) Murdered Roscius.
(c) Is pregnant.
(d) Is dead.

4. Who is Marcus Licinius Crassus?
(a) A greedy nobleman who tricks people out of their money.
(b) Someone Gordianus suspects of the murder.
(c) A born leader who is widely respected.
(d) A tenement owner who is in trouble.

5. When Gordianus questions Polia, she__________________.
(a) Cries.
(b) Denies seeing the murder.
(c) Pulls a knife on him.
(d) Kicks him.

Short Answer Questions

1. After Gordianus and Tiro leave Polia's apartment, what does Eco do?

2. In Chapter 2, what ends up lying at Gordianus's feet?

3. What is Cicero's client accused of?

4. What relationship complicates that of Cicero and Tiro?

5. Who is the man prosecuting Cicero's client?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the purpose of the author's inclusion of the scene where Gordianus and Tiro see a gladiator stabbed while they are walking to Cicero's house?

2. Electra tells Gordianus and Tiro that some men bought Elena. What else does she reveal?

3. Why would the shopkeeper and his wife lie about witnessing the attack of Roscius?

4. How would you describe Caecilia Metella?

5. What is the significance of the fact that the men who break into Gordianus's house had come earlier in the day?

6. Who do you think is smarter: Gordianus or Cicero? Why?

7. Why does Bethesda bite Gordianus when he comes into her room?

8. Why does Gordianus mention the fog at the end of Chapter 15?

9. When Gordianus and Tiro see the tenement fire, what is the significance of that?

10. Why does Cicero send Tiro instead of a lesser slave to the home of Gordianus?

(see the answer keys)

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