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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 does Sister Lucrezia want done with the nun's body in "Prologue"?

2. Why does the painter grid the roof of the chapel in Chapter 15?

3. How does the author describe Alessandra's wedding ceremony?

4. How does Alessandra feel when she sneaks out in Chapter 16?

5. In Chapter 1, when does Sister Lucrezia's story begin?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Alessandra formally meet Cristoforo?

2. In Chapter 1, what does Alessandra's father relationship with the painter represent?

3. In Chapter 7, what does Alessandra's family gossip about?

4. Why do Alessandra's siblings argue about being painted in Chapter 1?

5. What happens when Alessandra tries to paint in Chapter 4?

6. What happens when Alessandra meets the painter in the garden in Chapter 12?

7. Why does Cristoforo want to marry Alessandra?

8. What happens during Alessandra's dancing lessons in Chapter 2?

9. What news do Alessandra's parents share with her in Chapter 10?

10. In Chapter 6, what events interrupt the planning of Alessandra's sister's wedding?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explore how the descriptions of the two frescoes in this novel reflect the character development of the major characters.

Essay Topic 2

How does the author use high art to mirror politics in this novel?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Alessandra to her sister Plautilla.

(see the answer keys)

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