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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 do the burglars who tried to use Gian do to Cosimo?

2. Where does Cosimo carve his dog's name?

3. What bothers Cosimo most about fig trees?

4. Why to thieves drag Gian de Brughi from his hiding place?

5. Why is Cosimo attempting to catch his uncle with the pirates?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Sinforosa?

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 Cosimo's parents want to know about the men Cosimo enlisted for his project?

5. Why does the Cavlier slip off the Baron's land occasionally and how does Cosimo help him?

6. What does Cosimo do when he sees the pirates unloading the boats and what happens as a result of his actions?

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

8. What is Cosimo's thoughts concerning the people living below him?

9. How does Cosimo's mother and father try to get him to come down from the trees and what does Biagio do?

10. What does Cosimo do to impress Viola?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Cosimo's relationship with his mother has ended happily in spite of many problems earlier. Cosimo had time to know his mother as an adult and to be comfortable with her before her death. He was able to resolve differences and say good-bye. Often people don't have this opportunity.

1. Why do you think it was important and helpful for Cosimo to spend so much time with his mother in her last weeks? Use examples from the book and your own life to support your answer.

2. Cosimo had the opportunity to spend time with his mother, though it appears he did not have that with his father. Write a letter from Cosimo to his father saying what you think he might say based on the Cosimo you've seen in the past twenty chapters.

(see the answer keys)

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