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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. To whom was Roscia giving information about Cicero's case?

2. Gordianus suspects that the guard has _______________.

3. What kind of a place is the Bleating Lamb, where Gordianus stops on his way to Ameria?

4. What was the result of Titus's and the other landowners' petition?

5. What happened to Elena's baby, according to Felix and Chrestus?

Short Essay Questions

1. Gordianus goes to the Roscius's villa. Does he have a plan?

2. Why does Gordianus want to be invited to dinner at the home of Titus Megarus?

3. How does Roscia's confession affect Tiro?

4. On the second visit to Carus, what does Gordianus find out?

5. At the Bleating Lamb, what are some of the pieces of information that Gordianus learns from the tavern owner?

6. What is suspicious about what Carus tells Gordianus?

7. When Gordianus returns to Rome, he once again talks with Roscius (filius). What does he find out?

8. Who bought Roscius's property at auction?

9. Carus remarks "And if Sextus Roscius (filius) was a terrible father to his daughters, what business was that of mine?" What does Gordianus make of that?

10. How does Gordianus convince Rufus to attend the party in honor of Sulla?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The first section of Roman Blood is called "High and Low." Discuss the significance of this phrase. In what ways does it apply to Roman society? And also to the murder mystery at hand? How does the author use the juxtaposition of the difference connotations of this phrase to add multiple layers to the book?

Essay Topic 2

As information begins to accumulate in the Portents section of the novel, Cicero realizes he is in a very hard spot. Examine his predicament and his options.

Essay Topic 3

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

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This section contains 737 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample