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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 determine to do?

2. On the road, how do Rabatta and Bondone dress?

3. Who are Don Gianni di Barolo and Pietro da Tresanti?

4. What does Frederico, now a poor man, determine to do when Monna Giovanna comes calling?

5. How does Peronella explain the man who is in the barrel?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the sad situation with Frederigo, a man of noble birth?

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

4. Besides his homely countenance, describe what Messer Forese da Rabatta is noted for.

5. Why do several nuns come to the Abbess' door in the middle of the night?

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

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

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

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

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, Why THE DECAMERON Should Be Required Reading. In your essay include the historic value of the book, the impact the book has had on modern novels, and the classic nature of the work. Discuss THE DECAMERON as a means of understanding the period of the Black Death in Europe and the attitude of living for today because tomorrow we may die. Conclude with why you think a reader is enriched by reading this particular work.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Write an essay of at least two typewritten, double spaced pages on the topic, THE DECAMERON as an Early Example of the Modern Novel. In your essay point out how THE DECAMERON predates Chaucer's CANTERBURY TALES which is often credited as being the first modern novel. Discuss the format of THE DECAMERON and how you think it qualifies as a novel.

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