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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 this very public humiliation on the world stage, Italy reverts to what?

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

3. Mafia is what?

4. What do most Italians think about contemporary capitalism?

5. Into what do males force women?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Sicily, how is each man's rank determined?

2. What do most Italians think of free expression?

3. At first glance, how does Italy appear?

4. What is meant by mafioso?

5. Describe the Baroque period in Italy.

6. What is the difference between mafia and Mafia?

7. What is one difference between Northerners and Southerners?

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

9. Why will the gap between the Northerners and the Southerners not improve in the immediate future?

10. What have the Italians learned is their best defense against problems?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

A contemporary of Casanova's was Giuseppe Balsamo.

Part 1) Who was Giuseppe Balsamo? For what is he famous?

Part 2) Why is this story included in this book?

Part 3) How does Balsamo compare to other Italians of his day? How does this affect one's view of Italy?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

The Mafia is very powerful.

Part 1) What is the Mafia? What is the difference between mafia and Mafia?

Part 2) What is mafioso? How does it describe one who is a member of the Mafia? Why is the Mafia so powerful? How do Italian beliefs reinforce the power of the Mafia?

Part 3) Is the Mafia good or bad? Might Italians and Sicilians believe it is good or bad? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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