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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 Gordianus leaves Caecilia Metella's house in Chapter 7, what does he observe Tiro doing?

2. In Chapter 12, Gordianus and Tiro go to the House of Swans. Who do they question there?

3. Why could Roscius (pater) associate with those higher in status than himself?

4. Why does Tiro go to the home of Gordianus?

5. Gordianus discovers, upon returning to his house after a day of investigating, that_______________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Cicero and Sextus Roscius (pater) lived very different lifestyles. Compare and contrast their lifestyles.

2. How would you describe Caecilia Metella?

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

4. 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?

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

6. Why does Polia think she is protecting Eco by lying about him witnessing the attack?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

If Sextus Roscius really was guilty, what was the point of it all?

Essay Topic 2

Caecilia is a powerful and wealthy woman. How does she use that power throughout the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the theme of corruption in Roman Blood. What is the overall conclusion to draw about corruption as a them in this novel?

(see the answer keys)

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