View a FREE sample

This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who has the luxury of speaking about their dreams, ideals and justice?
(a) Anyone who is not Italian.
(b) Native-born Italians.
(c) Older people.
(d) Younger people.

2. What is the Baroque period?
(a) A time of very little artistic creativity.
(b) A time of gothic cathedrals and other impressive architecture.
(c) A time of magnificent artistic creativity beginning in 17th century Italy.
(d) A time of minimalism and streamlined design and architecture.

3. Why do most Italians have no need to read Guicciardini's writing?
(a) They seem to be born knowing that minding their own business will serve them in all circumstances throughout life.
(b) His story is told in every family.
(c) They know him well.
(d) They would not agree with what he has to say.

4. The heads of Mafia organizations are usually _____________________ with impeccable manners and ingratiating charm which do not belie the cruelty underneath.
(a) Well-educated.
(b) Beautiful.
(c) Royalty.
(d) Wealthy professional citizens.

5. Most families attempt to remain faithful to what?
(a) Their friends.
(b) Their government.
(c) The perfect family as possible.
(d) Catholicism.

6. What must each member do to provide for the greater good of the family?
(a) Be willing to sacrifice personal property and finances if the situation calls for it.
(b) Be willing to sacrifice finances.
(c) Be will to leave the family.
(d) Be willing to sacrifice personal property.

7. What becomes the center of Baroque life in all of Europe?
(a) London.
(b) Milan.
(c) Paris.
(d) Rome.

8. Who is another famous Florentine known for ruthless behavior and politics?
(a) Giacomo Casanova.
(b) Cola di Rienzo.
(c) Niccolo Machiavelli.
(d) Baldassra Castiglione.

9. How did Guicciardini command respect?
(a) With his kindness.
(b) With his wealth.
(c) With impressive speeches.
(d) With impressive shows of power and pomp.

10. What else do Italians think about capitalism?
(a) They think it is only for the wealthy.
(b) They cannot appreciate anything about it.
(c) They think it requires too much responsibility from the citizens.
(d) They appreciate the outward aspects of it but do not believe it truly exists.

11. What do other Italians think of the better-educated Italians who have no need for these tools for living life as pain-free as possible?
(a) They must not be Italian.
(b) They are more Italian.
(c) They are crazy.
(d) They can sometimes be perceived as being less Italian.

12. In exchange for protection by the Mafia, what happens to people?
(a) They become afraid and often go into hiding.
(b) They become indebted financially.
(c) They are often killed.
(d) They become indebted to the organization and ultimately must pay.

13. What other defense mechanism do the Italians use?
(a) They build powerful weapons.
(b) They have many allies.
(c) They do not mind their own business.
(d) They mind their own business.

14. Throughout their long history the Italian people have learned that their best defense against corruption, violence, civil wars and revolutions is to do what?
(a) Speak out.
(b) Protest.
(c) Keep their mouths shut.
(d) Hide.

15. Where do consolation, help, advice, provisions, loans, weapons, allies and accomplices lie?
(a) Wealth.
(b) The government.
(c) Friends.
(d) In the family.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the Italian Code of Chivalry teach?

2. The Southerners work toward what?

3. The Northerner believes that wealth is the sure way to do what?

4. What do Italians avoid at all costs?

5. This bastion of security can have many positive facets but also can exhibit negatively in what?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 584 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample