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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. To what order did Brother William belong?

2. What is the form of the library?

3. What do the monks not do between matins and lauds?

4. What is Severinus’s job at the abbey?

5. What will the monks debate in the discussions to take place?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Salvatore speak?

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

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

5. What two things disappear from Venantius’s desk in ‘Second Day’?

6. Why is Jorge so unnerving?

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

8. How did Venantius die?

9. When does Adso write his manuscript?

10. What is William fascinated by?

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 Judgment Day, the Apocalypse, and the Antichrist are frequent references throughout the novel. Why might these be significant? Are they truly the clue to the mysteries and murders taking place? If not, why might Eco have chosen to discuss them in the novel?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 441 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample