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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. What does Descartes' philosophy ask?

2. How does Sophie surprise Joanna after they finish classes?

3. How does Empedocles try to organize the world?

4. Whose letter comes to Sophie's house?

5. What do the Arabs develop in the 1200s?

Short Essay Questions

1. Is Sophie's mother's reaction to her daughter's studies and new attitude realistic? Why?

2. What would be an example of Parmenides' beliefs in Sophie's life?

3. Holberg's play poses the question 'How does a person know which is reality and which is a dream'? What does this foreshadow in relation to Sophie?

4. What kind of teacher is Alberto? Why?

5. Why would Sophie's banana have a birthday greeting on the inside?

6. How are Hilde and the Major connected to Sophie, as known by Chapter 13? Why?

7. Sophie recalls that time is different for the Major and HIlde, than for Sophie and Alberto. How would this exist?

8. Why does Sophie decide to go into a stranger's cabin?

9. Sophie receives mail addressed to Hilde. Is she silly or foolish for opening this mail? Why?

10. Sophie immediately thinks about the first question, "Who are you?" How does this indirectly characterize her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Find the most descriptive, all-encompassing and honest quote from the novel. Why is this quote so central to the meaning of this novel? Analyze your quote and provide reasons why this quote is so meaningful.

Essay Topic 2

Many times, the Major manipulates Sophie in odd ways that seem unnecessary for his story. Such examples include hiding Hilde's crucifix and putting a birthday message inside a banana peel. Why would the Major do this? Did he seek more control over Sophie than was necessary? Connect HIlde's feelings on this subject into your answer, as well as an exploration of how this manipulation indirectly characterizes the Major.

Essay Topic 3

What is ironic about the novel's title? What forms of irony are at play? As the book progresses, does the form of irony shift? How?

(see the answer keys)

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