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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 drawing does the painter drop in Chapter 16?

2. Why does Alessandra see the painter leave her house at night in Chapter 4?

3. In Chapter 1, why does Alessandra want to learn from the painter?

4. Why does Alessandra return home after sneaking out in Chapter 16?

5. What does Tomaso say damaged Alessandra before she was born?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Tomaso tell Alessandra about the murders in Chapter 9?

2. In "Prologue," what happens after Sister Lucrezia dies?

3. What does Alessandra do when she finds the painter in the chapel in Chapter 8?

4. In Chapter 4, what does Alessandra see in the middle of the night?

5. What does Cristoforo show Alessandra after they are married?

6. How does Tomaso treat Alessandra before her wedding?

7. What happens when Alessandra sneaks into the painters rooms in Chapter 1?

8. What makes Alessandra think that Cristoforo will understand her desire to paint?

9. Why does Cristoforo want to marry Alessandra?

10. How does Alessandra feel about marriage in Chapter 3?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare Cristoforo to the painter.

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the use of symbolism in this novel. Consider Alessandra's snake tattoo or the images in the frescos.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the role of sacrifice in The Birth of Venus.

(see the answer keys)

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