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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. In Sicily, each man's rank is determined by what?

2. The best example of this philosophy is embodied by whom?

3. 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?

4. The author describes the humiliation of Italy in what battle?

5. Why are male children especially anticipated and favored?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is required within an Italian family?

2. What are the elementary rules for survival in Italian society?

3. What is the difference between mafia and Mafia?

4. What are the two major rules that must be followed to survive in Italian society?

5. How is Guicciardini a role model?

6. What causes the confusion about the Mafia?

7. What is the main source of power for Italians? Describe this power.

8. Describe Sicily.

9. What is the fundamental reason for why the South will not narrow the gap between itself and the North?

10. What is one difference between Northerners and Southerners?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is irony regarding the Italian illusions.

Part 1) What are the Italian illusions discussed in this book? What is ironic about these?

Part 2) Does this sort of illusion exist elsewhere in the world? If so, where? How? If not, why not?

Part 3) Why are Italians and others drawn so strongly to these illusions?

Essay Topic 2

Millions of visitors come to Italy every year.

Part 1) From where do they come? Why do they come? What makes Italy special?

Part 2) Why do these visitors often return or stay permanently in Italy?

Part 3) Would you want to visit or live in Italy? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Cola di Rienzo was a popular orator.

Part 1) Who was Cola di Rienzo? How did he become famous at the art of illusion?

Part 2) How was he important in Italian history? What message does his story send?

Part 3) Could he ever have been successful? Why or why not? What might he have done differently in his life to have avoided his fate?

(see the answer keys)

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