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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 is the worst possible thing imaginable for chaste women?

2. Who is converted when he kidnaps Saint Lucy with the intent of raping her?

3. Who does God favor with twins despite the fact that she is old and infertile?

4. According to Rectitude in Section 2, Part 30, what can no man match?

5. Why does Emperor Olybrius imprison Saint Margaret?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Rectitude say to the idea that women are avaricious?

2. Why does Rectitude resent the claim that women bring only evil to the world?

3. What results from Thisbe's mother's disapproval of Thisbe's love for Pyramus?

4. What are at least two examples of men being foolish by ignoring their wise wives' advice?

5. How does Xanthippe demonstrate her love for Socrates?

6. What is the result of Theodosina's debate with the judge Urban?

7. What happens when Martina reveals her Christianity to the emperor who wants to marry her?

8. Why does Rectitude argue for the education of females?

9. How is Susanna's chastity questioned and proven?

10. What leads to Ghismonda's suicide?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

How is foreshadowing used in "The Book of the City of Ladies"? Choose one major instance of foreshadowing and follow it through the book, finishing with how the event is fulfilled.

Essay Topic 3

How does the first person point-of-view enhance and inhibit the story? How would the novel be different if a different point of view were used?

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This section contains 790 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample