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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 Alessandra struggle to paint in Chapter 4?

2. In Chapter 2, why does Alessandra have problems dancing?

3. When Alessandra first sits for the painter, what does she ask him about talent?

4. Who does Alessandra wait for her father with in Chapter 1?

5. What does Alessandra fear when she sees the painter leave in the middle of night in Chapter 4?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Alessandra say she wants to be married in Chapter 10?

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

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

4. How does Tomaso treat Alessandra before her wedding?

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

6. In Chapter 16, what happens when Alessandra sneaks out of the house?

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

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

9. What happens during the church services in Chapter 11?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Examine the theme of freedom in The Birth of Venus. Consider freedom in relationships, society, politics and the arts.

Essay Topic 2

What role does infidelity play in The Birth of Venus? How does the author portray infidelity as a positive thing? As a negative thing?

Essay Topic 3

What is the author's commentary on parenthood? Examine the different styles of parenting and what message is attached to each.

(see the answer keys)

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