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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 comment does Camus make concerning the end of history?

2. What is the contrast between the historical and artistic spirits, according to Camus?

3. What form of travel did Camus use to reach Tipasa?

4. In which month has the writer returned to Algiers?

5. What status as a philosopher does Camus accord Plato?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is ironic and unexpected about Camus' description of the way the Algerian people enjoy summer?

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

3. Can the artist remain aloof from the world he comments upon, depicts and criticizes?

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

5. In what way did the philosopher Socrates demonstrate his lack of intellectual arrogance?

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

7. Explain the attraction the desert has for thinking human beings.

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

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

10. What is suggested about the Algiers community by Camus' reference to the colors seen on the beaches in summer?

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

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 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)

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