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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. Guicciardini became a lawyer and went into what service in 1515?

2. Italians strive for what?

3. Southerners would like to live better lives and would prefer that the gap between North and South would do what?

4. Why do most Italians have no need to read Guicciardini's writing?

5. About what is this book?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the difference between mafia and Mafia?

2. Describe Sicily.

3. How do the actions of the Northerners affect the achievement of their goals? How do the beliefs of the Southerners contrast this?

4. What is meant by mafioso?

5. What is one difference between Northerners and Southerners?

6. What is the social status of men and women in an Italian family?

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

8. What do the Sicilians call the Mafia? What do Mafia members think of themselves?

9. What is required within an Italian family?

10. What is hidden under the facade that most foreigners know as Italy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The rules for survival in Italian society.

Part 1) What are these rules? How does one learn the rules? Why are they necessary?

Part 2) How does this reflect the Italians' view on life?

Part 3) How does this also reflect the philosophy of illusion and deception? How can these rules both help and hurt a family and society?

Part 4) How does this foreshadow powerful groups such as the Mafia?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Part of Italy's charm is the people's love of drama and spectacle.

Part 1) Describe this drama and spectacle. Why is it so charming?

Part 2) What is the purpose of the drama and spectacle? Why do Italians see it as necessary?

Part 3) Does this drama and spectacle exist in other places around the world? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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