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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. Why did Polia tell neighbors she saw the murder and then deny it?

2. Marucs Tullius Tiro is___________.

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

4. What does Gordianus learn from his first meeting with Sextus Roscius (filius)?

5. Sextus Roscious (pater) aligned himself with which family before he died?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 5, Cicero says to Tiro, "A fit subject for debate: Is it possible that a slave can be too loyal to his master? That is to say, too enthusiastic in his devotion, too ready to spring to his master's defense." What is your answer to that question?

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

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

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. How would you describe Caecilia Metella?

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

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

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

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

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

At the end of the novel, Cicero tells Gordianus, "Crime is common. Honor is rare." Discuss that comment.

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