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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 would the writer choose never to do?

2. Whence had Camus planned to travel in 1939?

3. Which city is Oran's rival?

4. As Camus describes it, the impression one has of the setting for the boxing boxing match is _______________.

5. What can an artist do in the world of today?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the overall impression the reader has of Oran and its people?

2. In what respects does Camus state that Algiers is capable of gratifying every human wish?

3. What is peculiar about the built environment of Oran, according to Camus?

4. Of what is Camus speaking when he criticizes 'idealism of the worst kind' (p.188 of the Penguin edition)?

5. What 'two thirsts' has Camus been able to slake through his visit to Tipasa?

6. What does Camus take away from his visit to Tipasa?

7. Of what does Camus accuse the Marxists in Section III of The Artist and his Time?

8. In what respect did the Greek philosopher Heraclitus think of human society and the physical universe being similar?

9. What technique does Camus use to convey the impression that Tipasa is a peaceful and happy place?

10. From information in Camus' text, what do we understand Tipasa to be?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why do you think Camus has chosen what he terms 'extreme examples' in his essay on Absurd Creation? Consider the function that anecdotes and examples perform in explanation, citing more than one context. Do Camus' examples make it easier to follow his argument? Are the examples appropriate or might others have been used? Suggest one alternative and justify your choice.

Essay Topic 2

Account for Camus' interest in the work of Russian writer Dostoevsly. For what reasons does Camus choose to refer frequently to this novelist? To what extent is an appreciation of Dostoevsky required to understand Camus' position on The Absurd?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the idea that Camus' essay Summer in Algiers is a celebration of youth in North Africa. You will need to consider if this is so, or if the statement goes too far. Are Camus' comments and assessments positive? Are they biased? Are they balanced? What yardstick does Camus apply when making his observations?

(see the answer keys)

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