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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. In what way is a modern worker similar to Sisyphus?
(a) The worker is a slave like Sisyphus.
(b) The worker spends every day at the same tasks.
(c) The worker is forbidden to innovate.
(d) The tasks they have to do are too hard for them.

3. What does Oedipus' remark imply?
(a) That fate is a human matter, to be settled among men.
(b) That fate is cruel and will defeat you despite your pure nature.
(c) That fate is decided prior to birth.
(d) That in certain circumstances, you might negotiate with the gods.

4. What important factor limits human freedom?
(a) His absurd nature.
(b) Physical movement.
(c) Frailty.
(d) Time.

5. What does Camus see as an almost inevitable companion to passion?
(a) Conception.
(b) Bliss.
(c) Murder.
(d) Struggle.

Short Answer Questions

1. What assertions are always false?

2. Which famous Frenchwoman was self-reliant?

3. What is a consequence of love?

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

5. What comment of Nietzsche's does Camus make reference to near the beginning of the chapter on Philosophy and Fiction?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Sisyphus completely appropriate as the absurd hero?

2. What important feature of Dostoevsky's work does Camus explore in the section entitled 'Kirilov'?

3. According to Camus, what must we take into consideration when reading the works of Franz Kafka?

4. According to Camus, should don Juan be punished?

5. Why does Camus wonder if an absurd work of art is truly possible?

6. What two views of Sisyphus are mentioned by Camus?

7. How does Camus view the novel as an artistic endeavor?

8. In what ways is Sisyphus a rebel?

9. In mentioning the Diary (p. 100 of the Penguin edition), to what does Camus draw attention?

10. How does Camus account for the promiscuity of don Juan?

(see the answer keys)

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