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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. With God dead, what remains?

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

3. What is the alternative title for The Minotaur?

4. What does Camus describe as 'sheer madness'?

5. How does night descend on the city?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What, according to Camus, is paradoxical about the crowded city of Oran, and crowded cities in general?

5. What lies 'beyond the yellow walls of Oran'?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

'Kafka's literary and philosophical works have had significant influence in ways of thinking and in the creation of other works of art.' Compose an essay that is a response to this statement. You will need to discuss at least two works mentioned by Camus and evaluate the way in whch these works have influenced other writers, citing at least two examples of the 'Kafkaeque'.

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

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'.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 972 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample