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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 word best describes Camus' attitude to Oran's shops?

2. What significant thing concerning Socrates does Camus refer to?

3. What symbol does Camus associate with oppression?

4. What do all struggles need?

5. What is the only thing glorified by European thought?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Does Camus see himself as a romantic?

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

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

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

6. To what do love, peace and beauty form the antidote?

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

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

9. What attitudes and feelings does Camus convey to the reader in the opening paragraphs of his essay 'Return to Tipasa'?

10. What factor does Camus claim separates him from some sections of the leftist movement?

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

'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 3

'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'.

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