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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. Eco communicates that the man who stabbed Roscius has what distinguishing characteristic?

2. What does Gordianus learn at the home of Caecilia Metella?

3. Sextus Roscius (pater) does what for a living?

4. In Cicero's opinion, why is the other man prosecuting his client?

5. Who is Elana?

Short Essay Questions

1. If traveling to Ameria alone is so dangerous, why doesn't Gordianus take a companion or a guard?

2. Do you think Gauis's death was accidental or a murder? Why?

3. Do you think Elena really was pregnant? Or was she setting Roscius up to be attacked?

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

5. Describe your first impression of Gordianus.

6. Why does Gordianus loan Bethesda to the household of the stable master?

7. Explain why Caecilia would house Sextus Roscius (filius) in an unsavory part of her house, near the stinking indoor toilets.

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

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

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the beginning of Chapter 4, Gordianus makes a reference to Oedipus. To what does this allusion refer? Why is it relevant in this story? Compare and contrast the story of Oedipus to the plot of this novel. What does this allusion show about Gordianus? How does it contribute to his credibility as a narrator?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the social class system of Rome specifically as it applies to the main characters in Roman Blood.

Essay Topic 3

The subject is patricide, or murder of a father. What other works of literature have you read/studied that involve the murder of a father by a son/daughter? Compare at least two of those with Roman Blood.

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This section contains 636 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample