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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. How does Cosimo's family receive the news of his popularity?

2. Who watches Viola closely at her house?

3. How far does Cosimo discover the trees go?

4. Why do the men from town ask Cosimo to come down?

5. What does Cosimo conclude after studying Gian de Brughi's life and the stories about him?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Cosimo tell Viola about a decision and what happens when he tells her?

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

3. What happens when Cosimo's father sends the Cavalier to capture him?

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

5. What does Cosimo's father request of him when he goes out to see him?

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

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

8. What do the burglars do to Cosimo?

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

10. With what important meal does the book open with?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Revolutionary lifestyle and revolutionary thinking lead to revolution.

1. What do you think is meant by this statement? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

2. Explain why the American Revolution demonstrates this principle.

3. Do you think Cosimo would have developed such revolutionary thinking had he not taken to the trees? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Chapter six resolves the childhood connection Cosimo has had with Viola, and foreshadows the intensity of the admiration he will have for her.

1. What do you think is meant by this statement? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

2. Explain the use of foreshadow in this sentence. Use examples from the book to support your answer.

3. Taking from the first six chapters, why do you think Cosimo admires Viola so much?

(see the answer keys)

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