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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. Which queen is responsible for capturing and killing King Cyrus when he attempts to attack the Amazons?

2. Whose authority does Christine yield to at the beginning of this novel, though she is unable to support the view from her personal experience?

3. Why does Christine think herself unfortunate?

4. Who predicts that Justinian will become emperor?

5. Who will bring the queen and princesses to the City of Ladies?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Rectitude say about parents preferring sons to daughters?

2. Describe Almathea's interactions with King Tarquin in Rome.

3. How does Hypsipyle save her father, Thoas?

4. Who are the Amazons, and how do they live?

5. List and describe the accomplishments of Nicostrata.

6. Compare and contrast Ceres and Isis.

7. In Section 1, Parts 28-36, what allusions to Greek and Roman mythology does Reason make?

8. Describe Christine's opinion about being female before the three ladies appear to her, and explain why she feels this way.

9. Who are the three ladies that appear to Christine, and why do they visit her?

10. How does Reason conclude her portion of building the City of Ladies?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Investigate "The Book of the City of Ladies" as a feminist novel. How does it adhere to and differ from the typical feminist novel? What changes could be made to mark it more clearly as a feminist novel? What changes could be made to prevent critics from classifying the novel as a feminist novel?

Essay Topic 2

Why do Lady Reason, Lady Rectitude, and Lady Justice visit Christine?

Essay Topic 3

How does Christine change throughout the novel? Detail the changes she makes and the reasons behind those changes.

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This section contains 965 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample