View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is paradoxical about Algiers?
(a) It contains both cathedrals and mosques.
(b) There is lots of sunlight, yet the place resembles a grim fortress.
(c) It gives a man both pleasure and misery.
(d) It is on the sea, but inaccessible to shipping.

2. What is needed for a person to 'come alive again'?
(a) Meditation in a suitable place.
(b) A beautiful homeland and a loving family.
(c) Special grace, self-forgetfulness or a homeland.
(d) Prayer and meditation.

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

4. What happens at noon at the Place du Gouvernement?
(a) A bell rings.
(b) There is silence.
(c) The bus from Oran arrives.
(d) People gather.

5. According to Camus, what have 'the smell of the office clinging to them'?
(a) Our wretched tragedies.
(b) Our overcoats.
(c) Our sordid little affairs.
(d) Our obligations.

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

7. Which groups of people exchange positions rapidly in this changed world?
(a) Jailers, judges and politicians.
(b) Judges, doctors and teachers.
(c) Judges, accused and witnesses.
(d) Jailers, witnesses and politicians.

8. What comment does Camus make about Greek thought?
(a) It never carried things to extremes.
(b) It wasn't balanced.
(c) It took too little account of feelings.
(d) It could be our inspiration, if translated.

9. Of what do the freighters from Norway smell?
(a) Tobacco.
(b) Oil.
(c) Wine.
(d) Wood.

10. What does Camus describe as 'sheer madness'?
(a) Returning to places that were important in one's youth.
(b) Expecting nothing to change as we grow older.
(c) Going into dimly lighted cafes at night.
(d) Trying to find friends from long ago.

11. What status as a philosopher does Camus accord Plato?
(a) Primitive because he had not the benefit of our scientific knowledge.
(b) Acceptable, focussing on reason.
(c) Superior, all-encompassing.
(d) Acceptable, though biased.

12. Whence had Camus planned to travel in 1939?
(a) England.
(b) France.
(c) Greece.
(d) South Africa.

13. Where can Moorish cafes be found?
(a) On the waterfront.
(b) Behind the mosque.
(c) Under the clock tower.
(d) In the Kasbah.

14. What is the origin of the nickname 'Clarques'?
(a) The French word for a group.
(b) Clark Gable.
(c) The sound made by seagulls.
(d) The French word for a bell.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the name Chenoua refer to?

2. How does Camus classify Oran?

3. What is the alternative title for The Minotaur?

4. Which composer is associated with Salzburg?

5. Where did Sakyamuni meditate?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 511 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample