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

2. For what is Andreuccio di Pietro famous?

3. Why does Ghismunda not marry at a time when other girls her age have taken husbands?

4. How does a prostitute deceive Pietro?

5. What does Rustico soon discover?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What do the brothers think when they hear Ciappelletto's confession?

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

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

5. What is the quandary the Florentine brothers find themselves in when Ciappelletto becomes so ill?

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

7. What means of entertainment do the young people devise?

8. How does Ghismunda end her life?

9. How does the handsome Masetto manage to become the gardener for a convent of eight nuns and an abbess?

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

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 Sin of Getting Caught. Use examples from THE DECAMERON to show how the thing people are often sorriest for is that of getting caught. Contrast Peronella and Brother Alberto to show how getting caught is what brings a person down.

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 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.

(see the answer keys)

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