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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What would the writer choose never to do?
(a) Act as a judge.
(b) Join a trade union.
(c) Join the Resistance.
(d) Betray a colleague.

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

3. What is the contrast between the historical and artistic spirits, according to Camus?
(a) History is a necessary record of the past, while art is a mere bagatelle.
(b) History aims to educate, art to expand consciousness.
(c) History's aim is tyranny, while the artist's aim is freedom.
(d) History can be manipulated, but art never can.

4. With God dead, what remains?
(a) Power.
(b) Chaos and warfare.
(c) An erratic universe.
(d) History and power.

5. In this essay, the Minotaur is used to represent which human experience?
(a) Bewilderment.
(b) Passion.
(c) Boredom.
(d) Power.

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

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

8. What word does Camus think is meaningless in Algeria?
(a) Faith.
(b) Virtue.
(c) Loyalty.
(d) Death.

9. What restores calm to the fight audience after the near-riot?
(a) The announcement of the main bout.
(b) The arrival of the police.
(c) A plea from Camus himself.
(d) Pleas from a tearful woman.

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

11. What is the role of Nemesis?
(a) To restore memory of past sins.
(b) To bring soothing sleep.
(c) To claim revenge.
(d) To punish those who exceed their limits.

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

13. Camus mentions the parliament of birds in which literary source?
(a) Russian.
(b) English.
(c) Hindu.
(d) Arabian.

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

15. Where did the writer spend his evenings?
(a) In crudely lighted cafes.
(b) At a friend's house.
(c) In dismal wine bars.
(d) Walking the streets.

Short Answer Questions

1. What did Goethe call for when on his deathbed?

2. What comment does Camus make about Greek thought?

3. For whose victory must we hope?

4. How does Camus evaluate the role of the artist??

5. What kind of role is that of the witness?

(see the answer keys)

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