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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. How does Ovid explain the need for a book on the Cures for Love?

2. Which of the following does Ovid suggest is a bad idea?

3. Which of the following best describes the nature of The Art of Love Book 1?

4. Which of the following best represents Ovid's recommendations for makeup?

5. What advice is given regarding laughing?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Ovid referring to when he says "A fire's blown up by the wind, by the wind extinguished: a gentle breeze fans the flame, a harder gust puts it out?"

2. According to Ovid in The Art of Love book 2, what difference is there between being a wealthy lover and a poor one?

3. What element does Ovid say is most important when playing games? Why?

4. What does Ovid recommend doing with old letters from an affair you are trying to forget? What else does he say on the subject?

5. Why does Ovid like to promise gifts?

6. What does Ovid recommend your behavior be like towards a lover you are trying to get over?

7. What places does Ovid recommend for finding women?

8. What point does Ovid make when he describes the affair of Mars and Venus being discovered and exposed by Vulcan? What does he recommend?

9. What activity does Ovid say is guaranteed to "let Cupid in" when he is not wanted? What does he recommend as an alternative?

10. Summarize the story of Procris and Cephalus. What point does Ovid make?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are many social mores regarding sexuality that from Rome in Ovid's time that are similar to those in America in the 1960's. Discuss those social mores.

Part 1. What part of the social mores of the two eras are worthy of comparison?

Part 2. How are they similar? How are they different?

Part 3. Has there been any "progress" or "evolution" since Rome in 2 AD or are we essentially the same?

Essay Topic 2

Ovid lays out a detailed framework for those that wish to be successful courting the other sex. How do you measure up?

Part 1. What specific advice does Ovid give your gender?

Part 2. Are there some parts of the advice that are outdated? Can they be translated to something current? For example, if he refers to a "toga", we can translate it as "clothes."

Part 3. How much of this advice do you currently practice? Do you think your chances in love would be better or worse if you practiced more?

Essay Topic 3

In the beginning of his book, Ovid follows classical tradition and evokes his muse. Write an essay about muses.

Part 1. What is a muse?

Part 2. Who are the nine muses and what does each of them do?

Part 3. What relationship do poets like Ovid have with the muses?

(see the answer keys)

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