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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 upsets Tomaso most about his case of boils?

2. What does Cristoforo do after the French leave Florence in Chapter 20?

3. What does Alessandra do when she cannot sleep in Chapter 27?

4. In Chapter 30, how does the painter say he learned about the human form?

5. Why is the painter arrested in Chapter 41?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Alessandra apologize to her mother in Chapter 35?

2. How does Alessandra's pregnancy change her relationship with the servants?

3. How does Erila react when she learns that Alessandra and the painter made love?

4. How does Alessandra grow closer to the painter when he stays with her and Cristoforo?

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

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

7. Why does Cristoforo want Alessandra to kick the painter out of their house in Chapter 34?

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

9. Why is the painter arrested?

10. Why does the painter come to visit Alessandra in Chapter 21?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Trace Alessandra's relationship with the painter throughout this novel. How is this relationship affected by outside forces? How is it shaped by inside forces? Which do you think are most powerful?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the gender roles in Alessandra's society.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the role of sacrifice in The Birth of Venus.

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