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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 does Pietro end up with that is worth more than the money he lost?

2. What does the foolish Alibech think she is doing when she allows the monk to have his way with her?

3. Why is Alatiel not happy with the duke after they go to Athens?

4. Because of her vanity, what does Monna Lisetta do that soon allows all of Venice to know about her affair?

5. Who is Alatiel's next lover after Constanzo?

Short Essay Questions

1. How dies Alatiel end up on the island of Majorca?

2. How does Ciappelletto become aware of the brothers' situation?

3. Why is it so easy for Berto della Massa to take on the persona of Brother Alberto, a minor friar?

4. How does Masetto come to the attention of the abbess?

5. What are the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Lorenzo, the lover of Isabetta?

6. Why does Isabetta cry over a pot of basil?

7. Why does Andreuccio di Pietro travel to Naples?

8. How does Andreuccio become the victim of a scam in Naples?

9. What happens that returns Alibech to her village?

10. How does Andreuccio turn the tales on the two robbers?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, Medical Pandemics Through the Ages. In your essay describe the Black Death that swept Europe in the Middle Ages and why it lasted so long. Then discuss pandemics of more modern times such as polio and various virulent strains of the flu. Conclude with how these plagues affect the human psyche.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, Man's Desire to Return from the Dead. In your essay point out that one reason for returning from the dead is to tell the living what it is like on the other side. Compare the pact made by Tingoccio Mini and Meuccio di Tura with the Twentieth Century magician, Harry Houdini who made a similar promise. Conclude with the fact that there is no evidence that anyone has ever succeeded in this return.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, The Historic Setting for THE DECAMERON. Include the bubonic plague that caused people to leave the cities looking for ways to avoid contact with the plague. Discuss the limited ways to find entertainment under such circumstances. Finally, address the activity of story telling as the best possible form of entertainment under the circumstances in 1348 A. D.

(see the answer keys)

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