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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 makes Alessandra's visit to Plautilla difficult in Chapter 26?

2. Who finishes Alessandra's snake tattoo?

3. How does the painter find Alessandra in the convent?

4. Where is Cristoforo when Alessandra first feels her labor pains?

5. Why does Alessandra fake her tumor?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Alessandra do before the painter leaves the convent?

2. How does Alessandra react when Cristoforo brings Tomaso home in Chapter 26?

3. How do the French affect Alessandra's life in Chapter 20?

4. What is Alessandra's life like when the painter is at the convent?

5. Why is the painter arrested?

6. Why does the painter end up locking himself in the chapel, even refusing food?

7. What does Alessandra do after learning Cristoforo has faked his death?

8. Why does Cristoforo fake his death?

9. How does Cristoforo react to Tomaso and the painter being arrested?

10. When Alessandra visits the painter while he is locked in the chapel, what does she discover about his art?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

What role does marriage play in The Birth of Venus? How does marriage affect the conflicts in this novel?

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