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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 the origin of the nickname 'Clarques'?

2. What would the writer choose never to do?

3. What paradox did Descartes notice in Amsterdam?

4. What is the alternative title for The Minotaur?

5. What kind of role is that of the witness?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What must modern man do if he is to recapture the mindset of Ancient Greece and be truly civilized?

6. What is the essay 'Helen's Exile' concerned with?

7. Does Camus see himself as a romantic?

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

9. What has Camus to say about the shops in Oran?

10. Why do you think Camus calls nudists 'those Protestants of the flesh'?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

'Camus' use of Franz Kafka's work is particularly apt when we consider the idea of the absurd world.' Discuss the way Camus cites Kafka in the course of his exposition on the absurd. You will need to relate characters and incidents to ideas expressed by Camus. You will also need to consider implications of those ideas. It is important, too, to include any necessary critique of the way Camus has referred to Kafka's work.

Essay Topic 2

Camus' work has within it much that is lyrical in its description of place. Choose a short passage from either his essay on Algiers, Oran or Tipasa and analyse its literary qualities. You will need to comment on word choice, sentence structure, use of imagery and symbolism in the passage. Look also for scenic and emotional contrasts.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay in which you define philosophy and discuss its significance. You might like to refer to the way certain philosophers have influenced politics, science and society in general. Comment on the extent to which the study and/or discussion of philosophy enriches life and broadens human understanding.

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