View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When does Matins take place?

2. When did the narrator receive the manuscript?

3. What is the form of the library?

4. Who did Louis see as his allies?

5. What do Jorge and William debate in ‘Second Day’?

Short Essay Questions

1. What must the men pass through to reach the library at night?

2. Who, in ‘Second Day,’ reveals that the library is a labyrinth?

3. How does it look like Venantius died?

4. What is William’s first conclusion about Adso’s death?

5. Why is Adso allowed to sit away from the novices in ‘First Day’?

6. What do the monks debate at the first dinner?

7. Where did the narrator find confirmation of the book’s veracity?

8. What does William help the Cellarer to find?

9. How does Adso feel about ‘modern’ life?

10. Who is the Emperor at the time of the events in the novel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The monks debate Jesus’s laughter at great length. Why is such a seemingly small matter the subject of so much debate? What texts do they rely on to support their theories? What is the greater significance of their debates, and how often do they refer to these issues?

Essay Topic 2

The physical buildings of the abbey are described in great detail, and shown to be resplendent. Eco even includes two maps of various structures. What literary significance do the buildings themselves have? How do they affect the story? Focus particularly on the library itself, as well as the ensuing fire.

Essay Topic 3

The library’s organization is nearly impossible for the protagonists to figure out. Describe the organization of the library, as well as the books contained therein. Why is the term “Finis Africae” significant? Who keeps the library, and why is this a significant role?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 463 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample