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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. According to the top hat metaphor, what are philosophers?

2. What describes Thomas Hobbes' philosophy?

3. Where do Sophie and Joanna camp?

4. What question does Sophie ask herself as she looks in the mirror after she reads her first note?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is it important that Sophie designed her own myth?

2. Are the postcard that is addressed to Hilde, and Alberto's decision to teach Sophie in person, connected? Why?

3. Why were ancient people angry when they spoke to Socrates and he claimed not to know anything?

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

5. Epicureans believe in seeking pleasure and avoiding pain. Is this a theme of the novel? Why?

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

7. Why would Hermes growl at Sophie when she follows him? Is this characteristic of a dog? Why?

8. What is an example of the Indo-European view of history concerning cycles of history that start over again?

9. Does nature constrain human's free will like Spinoza believed? How?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

How much do you think Alberto knows of the Major's interference in Sophie's life? Does he know from the beginning that Sophie is a character? Explain why and what clues show this.

Essay Topic 3

As the story continues, Sophie and even Hilde recognize they are substitutes or symbols for each other.

1) Examine some of the similarities between the Sophie and Hilde, and between Alberto Knox and Albert Knag. Look at more than just the appearances by including their attitudes and thoughts.

2) Did the Major model Sophie after Hilde? Support your answer with evidence from the book.

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