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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 Monna Giovanna discover after dinner?

2. When Rabatta and Bondone meet on the road to Florence, what happens to cause them to seek shelter?

3. What happens when Ricciardo learns of Caterina's love for him?

4. When does Peronella's lover come to visit her?

5. After her son dies, what does Monna Giovanna decide to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Monna Giovanna's son becomes seriously ill, what does he tell her might make him better?

2. What happens when the two men come to confess to Brother Onion what they had done.?

3. On the way home in the rain, what is Rabatta's insulting comment about his friend, Bondone?

4. What plan does Caterina devise in order to be with Ricciardo?

5. Although Frederigo would give anything to Monna Giovanna, why is it impossible for him to give her the falcon?

6. How are Caterina and Ricciardo found out?

7. Explain the kind of work done by another ugly man by the name of Giotto di Bondone.

8. Describe the painters, Calandrino, Bruno, and Buffalmacco.

9. What happens that Don Gianni declares has broken the spell to change Pietro's wife into a mare?

10. What unusual thing causes Peronella and her lover to look for a place to hide him?

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, 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.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, How People Change Over Time. Begin by summarizing the tale of Tedaldo who leaves Florence after a quarrel with his mistress and later returns as a pilgrim and is not recognized by anyone who once knew him. Go to a discussion of how people not seen for a long time change physically, mentally, and emotionally. If possible use an example from your own life.

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