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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. Sophie dreams about Hilde's golden crucifix and then wakes to be startled by what?

2. What warning does Sophie receive concerning her teacher, from her teacher?

3. What does Empedocles believe plays a role in bringing things together?

4. Where do Sophie and Joanna camp?

5. What comprises Sophie's myth?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Sophie's mother handle her daughter's relationship with Alberto so calmly?

2. When Sophie sees another girl in mirror who winks back at her with both eyes, what does this foreshadow?

3. When Sophie sees the large board with the word "Hilde" on it, does this foreshadow who "Hilde' is?

4. Why would ancient people make up such elaborate stories to explain how their world works?

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

6. Do people today, as the Greeks did, believe in fate or predestination? What are examples?

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

8. Characterize Sophie's religion teacher when she questioned Sophie's answers on a test.

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

10. Why does Alberto dress in costume to reflect his teachings? Does this enhance his lessons?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the main theme of this novel? Consider ideas past the philosophers' theories. What message did these philosophers have for the audience?

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

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?

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