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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What temptation does Camus suggest is hardest to overcome?
(a) The temptation to be absurdy sentimental.
(b) The temptation to explain.
(c) The temptation to love.
(d) The temptation to commit suicide.

2. What is a characteristic of wisdom?
(a) Living with faith and integrity and reserving judgement.
(b) Living on what one has, not speculating about what one does not have.
(c) Knowing when to take things on trust, as well as when not to.
(d) Being able to supply a rationale for any action.

3. How does Camus summarize the actor's art?
(a) As an absurd illusion.
(b) As the ability to simulate absolutely.
(c) As dangerous counterfeit.
(d) As the ability to represent faithfully.

4. What is ridiculous about the writer who emulated Peregrinos?
(a) The writer suicided so his book would be noticed, but the book was no good.
(b) He tried to commit suicide by drowning in the Seine, but could not sink.
(c) The writer suicided in despair and his relatives benefited hugely from the royalties.
(d) He thought the name would make him a great travel writer, but he failed.

5. According to Camus, what is important about the idea that actions have consequences?
(a) It is the principle behind all systems of morality.
(b) It is a basic principle in what is known as 'brain-washing'.
(c) It is a basic principle of child rearing.
(d) It is the basis of the legal system in Muslim countries.

6. What sacrifice does Loyola say God rejoices in?
(a) The sacrifice of the intellect.
(b) The sacrifice of celibacy.
(c) The sacrifice of humility?
(d) The sacrifice of hope.

7. What status does Camus give Sisyphus?
(a) The absurd prince.
(b) The trickster.
(c) The fool.
(d) The absurd hero.

8. What are the condemned man's last words?
(a) 'I am innocent!'
(b) 'It is a far, far better rest that I go to.'
(c) 'Such is life.'
(d) 'Like a dog.'

9. What does Camus claim is different about his discussion of suicide?
(a) His views have been formed after conducting many interviews.
(b) It is easier to read than most works of philosophy.
(c) His attitude to it is more sympathetic.
(d) He sees it as an individual matter, not purely a social one.

10. What were the consequences of Sisyphus putting Death in chains?
(a) Pluto took Medea hostage.
(b) People partied continuously because Death never visited them.
(c) Pluto's empire became deserted and silent.
(d) Death took a terrible revenge.

11. What is a consequence of love?
(a) Marriage and children.
(b) The stronger the love, the less absurd it is.
(c) The stronger the love, the stronger the absurdity.
(d) It is impossible to assess because every relationship is different.

12. How does Kafka express the absurd?
(a) Through the logical.
(b) Through representations of everyday life.
(c) Through farce that is close to sentimentality.
(d) Through tragedy.

13. Which famous Frenchwoman was self-reliant?
(a) Violetta Valery
(b) Madame La Guillotine.
(c) Madame Bovary.
(d) Madame Roland.

14. Why is it necessary to read a Kafka work twice?
(a) There are complex relationships and a host of characters.
(b) There is a double possibility of interpretation.
(c) In order to savor the beauty of his writing.
(d) His prose is very dense.

15. What comment of Nietzsche's does Camus make reference to near the beginning of the chapter on Philosophy and Fiction?
(a) 'Scattered thoughts can be both orderly and disorderly.'
(b) 'What does not destroy me makes me stronger.'
(c) 'Midway in life's journey we need to enter a dark wood.'
(d) 'We have art in order not to die of the truth.'

Short Answer Questions

1. In The Castle, what is significant about the character Amalia?

2. What assertions are always false?

3. In what way is a modern worker similar to Sisyphus?

4. When did Sisyphus test his wife's love?

5. How is Oedipus' fate announced?

(see the answer keys)

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