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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. Identify the literary device Camus uses in: 'Even men without a gospel have their Mount of Olives'.
(a) The device is an example of onomatopoeia.
(b) The device is a metaphor.
(c) The device is personification.
(d) The device is an example of transubstantiation.

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

3. What argument does Camus dismiss as 'a matter of profound indifference'?
(a) The ontological argument.
(b) Whether or not the Bible is literally true.
(c) The absurd dilemma.
(d) Whether or not the earth revolves around the sun.

4. Which art and science have close affinity?
(a) Painting and geometry.
(b) Fiction and physics.
(c) Music and kinesthetics.
(d) Music and mathematics.

5. What has Camus to say about Kirilov's reasoning?
(a) It is ridiculous, but must be considered.
(b) It should be the basis of further discussion.
(c) It is absurd, but it is necessary.
(d) It is rational and therefore necessary.

Short Answer Questions

1. What sacrifice does Loyola say God rejoices in?

2. According to Camus, what is the most obvious symbol in The Trial?

3. How does Camus see Sisyphus vis-a-vis his fate?

4. What is a consequence of love?

5. What is meant by 'savoir-faire'?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How did Sisyphus attempt to test his wife's love?

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

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

5. What were Sisyphus's sins against the gods, for which he was punished?

6. How does Camus differ from many other commentators when considering the work of Kafka?

7. What does humanity need to do in order to understand the world?

8. What is particularly interesting and unusual about Sisyphus and his paradoxical happiness in his fate?

9. In an absurd universe, are all actions permitted?

10. What, for humanity, are the consequences of living in a world stripped of illusion?

(see the answer keys)

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