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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. After a night of making love, what happens to the couple?

2. How does the wayward nun respond to the abbess' reprimand?

3. What is Ricciardo's plan after Caterina makes her bed on the balcony?

4. After Tingoccio dies, what does he do that he had promised Meuccio in life?

5. What promise does Brother Onion make to the villagers this time?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Explain how Peronella gets away with having a lover.

3. How does Peronella turn the situation around and get her husband inside the barrel.

4. What is the reply that Bondone gives Rabatta after his insult?

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

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

7. What is the result of Frederigo's attempts to impress Monna Giovanna?

8. When collecting alms from a nearby village, what does Brother Onion use to get the people to give freely?

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

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

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, Attitudes About the Morality of the Clergy. In your essay point out from THE DECAMERON how it is assumed that many if not most of the clergy are morally remiss in having affairs. Compare this to modern times when clergy have been brought down because of their moral indiscretions.

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.

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This section contains 800 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample