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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. When did the monks go to bed?

2. Who provides the key to entering the library in ‘Second Day’?

3. Who used to be a Dolcian?

4. Where was the apostolic seat?

5. What is the form of the library?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does William help the Cellarer to find?

2. How did the narrator originally lose his copy of the book?

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

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

5. Who is the Pope at the time of the events in the novel?

6. What does Benno reveal about Adelmo?

7. Where did Adso meet William?

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

9. Who originally translated the book?

10. Who does William already know at the abbey in ‘First Day’?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

The abbot and William finally end up at odds with one another. Why does the abbot wish William to stop investigating and leave? Compare and contrast the two men’s characters and their ultimate fates.

Essay Topic 3

A variety of languages, from Provençal to English to Latin, are used throughout the book. What is the significance of language in the novel? How do the “Italians” separate themselves from the others, and why is this important? How might reading this text in translation help us? Why did Eco not translate certain parts of French, Latin, and other languages found in the text?

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This section contains 414 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample