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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 is important about an actor's fame?

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

3. What is the most harrowing passion of all?

4. According to Camus, what is important about the idea that actions have consequences?

5. In The Castle, what is significant about the character Amalia?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. In what ways is Sisyphus a rebel?

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

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

7. What is Camus' basic criticism of phenomenology?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay that deals thoughtfully with the following:

In an absurd world, is not philosophy itself absurd? If life has no meaning, why have learned people--over many centuries from Ancient Greece to the present--devoted so much time to discussing it? Might they not have been better occupied?

In other words, you will be demonstrating that philosophy is a necessary activity for mature humanity.

Essay Topic 2

'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.

Essay Topic 3

'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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 973 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample