View a FREE sample

This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What do the Lauritzens do while talking that makes it difficult for the narrator to follow them?
(a) They switch back and forth between English and Italian.
(b) They keep interrupting each other.
(c) They talk at the same time.
(d) They keep changing the subject.

2. Why did Massimo Donadon give his company a German name?
(a) Wernher von Braun, the man who designed the rockets that took men to the moon, was his hero.
(b) So the Venetians would think he was from an exotic country.
(c) His grandmother, to whom he owes his business, was German.
(d) He thinks Germany seems solid, scientific, and efficient.

3. What do the young girls talking with the carabinieri want?
(a) Autographs.
(b) A look at the fallen mayor.
(c) A couple of cigarettes.
(d) A tour of the wreckage.

4. What does the narrator say is the most prominent feature of Felice Casson's face?
(a) His glasses.
(b) A demanding look.
(c) A receding chin.
(d) His hooked nose.

5. Who does the narrator say defeated Venice at the height of its grandeur?
(a) Hitler.
(b) Napoleon.
(c) Charlemagne.
(d) Maximillian.

6. What is the main focus of Count Marcello's private library?
(a) Venetian history.
(b) The history of the Marcello family.
(c) Art and artists.
(d) Italian history.

7. Why does the narrator say he's come to Venice in February?
(a) At this time of year, Venetians have Venice all to themselves.
(b) He happens to be doing research for a book.
(c) Venice looks best at this time of year.
(d) The weather is perfect at this time of year.

8. Who do the townspeople talking at Haig's Bar believe is responsible for the fire?
(a) Save Venice.
(b) The Mafia.
(c) The government.
(d) The police.

9. What does the narrator note about the continuing relationship between Woody Allen and Mayor Cacciari since Allen had been charged with trespassing?
(a) The friendship had soured since the incident.
(b) Allen and the Mayor continued to be friends.
(c) The Mayor officiated at Allen's wedding to Soon-Yi.
(d) The Mayor could no longer speak with Allen out of embarrassment over the incident.

10. Why does Lovato oppose the building of a modern new opera house?
(a) It's important to preserve the experience that the architect created for the spectator.
(b) For aesthetic reasons.
(c) It would damage the acoustics.
(d) The focus should be completely on the stage.

11. What is Signor Seguso's nickname?
(a) "Wizard of Fire."
(b) "The Glassmaker."
(c) "Maestro."
(d) "Fire Magician."

12. What is "Antica Mole"?
(a) A trattoria near the narrator's new apartment.
(b) A canal near the narrator's new apartment.
(c) An important museum and cultural center.
(d) A tourist attraction.

13. Why does the narrator ask about the screens on the window?
(a) He thinks the meshing is too fine to be effective.
(b) He'd like to have better access to the fresh air.
(c) He feels claustrophobic with screens on the windows.
(d) He's surprised that mosquitoes can fly right through.

14. Why doesn't Venice use Donadon's rat poison?
(a) They don't believe in Donadon's products.
(b) They are deeply suspicious of Germans.
(c) They don't trust Donadon.
(d) They only award contracts to the lowest bidder.

15. Where does the Count Giuseppe Volpi live?
(a) In Santa Croce.
(b) In Cannaregio.
(c) On the Giudecca.
(d) In Castello.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the Count say would have to happen for him to let go of his anger?

2. Why does Count Volpi say the Venetians vilify his father?

3. What does the narrator say the officials are quick to do at the meeting in the Ateneo Veneto?

4. What word does Woody Allen use to describe the devastation at the Fenice?

5. What does the narrator notice about characters in novels and movies set in Venice?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 697 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample