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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 does Cosimo believe olive trees are great for climbing?

2. What does Gian de Brughi do while in hiding from the law after Cosimo rescued him?

3. Where does Cosimo hide most of his letters?

4. What does his uncle do when the pirates beginning running away?

5. Why is the meal at the beginning of the book significant?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the Count who visits the family feel about Cosimo's choice?

2. What does Battista do to make Cosimo come home and what is the result of her action?

3. Why is Cosimo's mother nicknamed the Generalessa?

4. What do the brigands around town do about Gian de Brughi being in hiding?

5. Why does Cosimo begin writing to authors of books he likes?

6. How does Cosimo's mother feel by the evening about Cosimo still being in the trees?

7. Why does Cosimo talk with the Abbe so much and what happens as the result?

8. What does Biagio reveal about the Cavalier's story?

9. Who is Sinforosa?

10. How does Cosimo's first encounter with the fruit thieves happen?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Biagio wants all the more to assure Cosimo of his loyalty despite his remaining on the ground, and so agrees to supply him with everything he requires to set up a more permanent dwelling in the trees.

1. Why do you think Biagio is not joining his brother in the trees? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

2. Do you think Biagio is right or wrong for making it easier for his brother to remain in the trees? Why or why not?

3. What do you think of Cosimo's attempts to pressure his younger brother into helping him?

Essay Topic 2

Both Viola and Cosimo are idealists, but with such fundamentally disparate ideals they can never be compatible unless one of them is willing to open themselves to adopting the other's point of view.

1. Who do you think would have an easier time changing, Viola or Cosimo? Why?

2. Do you think it is wise for someone to give up beliefs in order to be with someone? Why or why not?

3. Do you think either Viola or Cosimo is the most right in their last arguments? Why?

Essay Topic 3

Cosimo and his father come to an agreement that allows for the continuing of Cosimo's education because the Baron is finally willing to approach his son like a free-thinking individual whose agreement is needed in order to know how to proceed.

1. What is the difference between a parent who respects a child as a free-thinking individual and one who doesn't?

2. Do you think Cosimo is old enough to be seen as a free-thinking individual? Why or why not?

3. What do you think are some of the ways a parent can demonstrate that they see their child as a free-thinking individual rather than simply an extension of the parent?

(see the answer keys)

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