View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What season is it in Chapter 35?

2. Why do Alessandra's servants feel compassion for her when she is pregnant?

3. What does the painter do when he learns that Alessandra is pregnant?

4. Where does Plautilla's daughter live when she is killed by the plague?

5. What does Alessandra's mother give Alessandra in Chapter 25?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Savonarola preach about when he won't let women in the church?

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

3. Why is the painter arrested?

4. What makes Alessandra's life in the convent less pleasing to her?

5. What happens to the painter after he is released from jail in Chapter 42?

6. What illnesses does Cristoforo worry about in Chapter 37?

7. In Chapter 22, what worries Cristoforo about the current political climate?

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

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

10. What happens when Alessandra visits the chapel before the dedication?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

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

What is the author's commentary on the power of loss? How does she make loss into a motif?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 642 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample