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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the only thing glorified by European thought?
(a) The rule of monarchy.
(b) The beauty of the human form.
(c) The art of war.
(d) The future rule of reason.

2. To what type of person is Camus drawn as an artist?
(a) Leftist intellectuals because they hold the key to progress.
(b) The powerful minority in society who need to be enlightened.
(c) The uncomplicated Berbers of North Africa.
(d) The common people who endure burdens and humiliation.

3. What significant thing concerning Socrates does Camus refer to?
(a) He said that money is the root of all evil.
(b) He said that what he did not know he did not claim to know.
(c) He said that the unexamined life is not worth living.
(d) He said that to the gods, humans are like flies to wanton boys.

4. What is meant by 'obscurantism'?
(a) Opposition to inquiry and enlightenment.
(b) Deliberately using obscure language.
(c) People who are in favor of using the camera obscura.
(d) It refers to a secret religious sect once popular in North Africa.

5. What is meant by 'quixotism'?
(a) Moving very quickly.
(b) Being generally unreliable and untrustworthy.
(c) Having the quality of the visionary or the romantic.
(d) The belief in the miracles of Don Quixote.

6. What can be found at Padovani Beach?
(a) The best cafe in Algiers.
(b) A dance school for the poor.
(c) Lifeguards trained in Australia.
(d) An all-day dance hall.

7. On which other society does the youth of Oran model its behavior?
(a) American.
(b) British.
(c) European.
(d) Arab.

8. What had changed Camus' life in September, 1939?
(a) The birth of his twin children.
(b) Marriage.
(c) War.
(d) His belief that God was dead.

9. At Belcourt, how have marriages been arranged?
(a) Through exchanging golden rings.
(b) Through marriage brokers.
(c) Through exchanging peppermint lozenges.
(d) Through the mosque.

10. What comment does Camus make about the word 'sin'?
(a) That it is a word used to make people fearful, thus easy to control.
(b) It is something we all should be more aware of.
(c) That it refers to an illusion.
(d) That he has never really understood it.

11. Who calls out 'Want a ride, sister?' to pretty girls?
(a) Bus drivers.
(b) Perverts.
(c) Taxi drivers.
(d) Undertakers.

12. What had the writer hoped to gain when he first visited Tipasa?
(a) Experience as a tour guide.
(b) The recapturing of his sense of freedom.
(c) The clarification of childhood memories.
(d) Some Phoenecian artifacts that might make him rich.

13. What comment does Camus make concerning the end of history?
(a) We need to ignore it and make our own lives count for something.
(b) It can't have any definable significance for us.
(c) It is too frightening for us to try and imagine.
(d) It will come when God is pleased for it to happen.

14. What paradox did Descartes notice in Amsterdam?
(a) That one could feel safe in the red-light district of the city.
(b) That there were streets as well as canals for traffic.
(c) That a tax on windows meant doors were narrow.
(d) That one could feel freedom and tranquility amongst a crowd.

15. How does night descend on the city?
(a) Suddenly.
(b) Like a thief.
(c) By abrupt degrees.
(d) Slowly, after a long twilight.

Short Answer Questions

1. Camus uses the word 'furtive' to describe _____________.

2. What does Camus describe as 'sheer madness'?

3. What is paradoxical about Algiers?

4. Traditionally, what has the left (of politics) been concerned to fight, according to Camus?

5. What will happen if people keep silent?

(see the answer keys)

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