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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 Monna Lisetta's character like?

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

3. Who does Abraham observe on his trip?

4. Tiring of Monna Lisetta's vain confessions, what does Brother Alberto do?

5. What does Rustico soon discover?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Tancredi discover the affair between Ghismunda and Guiscardo?

3. What happens when the secret of Masetto's affair with the nun gets out?

4. How does Brother Alberto take advantage of Lisetta whom he calls Lady Halfwit?

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

6. What happens that returns Alibech to her village?

7. Who takes Andreuccio into a scheme to make easy money?

8. How does Alatiel eventually end up with the king of Algarve?

9. What happens to Ciappelletto while staying with two Florentine brothers in Burgundy?

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, The Story I Most Enjoyed in THE DECAMERON. First summarize the story you liked best and then explain in detail why that particular story caught your fancy. Be sure to mention the literary qualities of the story that made it stand out in your mind.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, How Bernie Madoff Compares with Brother Onion. Using Brother Onion's feather from the wing of Gabriel and charcoal from the burning of St. Lorenzo, compare those things with Madoff's use of his connections and expertise on Wall Street to dupe people into investing money that he had no intention of returning. Define how people who want to believe in something are easily led.

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