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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What were the consequences of Sisyphus putting Death in chains?

2. What is ridiculous about the writer who emulated Peregrinos?

3. What comment does Camus make about Greek tragedy?

4. Why are European cemeteries hideous?

5. Once, how were the condemned spared the sight of the scaffold?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What is Camus' attitude to Galileo?

6. How does Camus describe the Church's treatment of heretics?

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

8. Why does Camus claim that there can be no experience of death?

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

10. According to the quotation from Nietzsche, what vital function is performed by art?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is your attitude to Camus' definition of the absurd? Do you think his argument is valid? What is your opinion of the examples he gives? Would you be likely to argue from a different point of view? Why or why not? Call your essay 'My response th the absurd'.

Essay Topic 2

'Camus combines the sensual, spiritual and the intellectual in his collection of essays The Myth of Sisyphus.' Argue for the truth of this statement by close reference to three of the essays. You will need to explain and comment upon Camus' point of view regarding The Absurd, his admiration of Ancient Greek Culture and his evocative descriptive writing.

Essay Topic 3

'It is possible to classify much of Camus' writing as 'prose poetry' because of its poetic qualities.' To what extent would you agree with this comment? Does his writing indeed possess poetic qualities? You will need to look at his use of imagery, figurative language, structure and level of language (diction). This might best be approached by analyzing one or two passages of your choice.

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