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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. Who does Cupid scold for retreating?

2. When Reason warns about giving and receiving gifts, how does the narrator react?

3. Which character argues with the narrator, convincing him of many points outside the castle?

4. Reason says that which character is folly and reckless?

5. Which characters rally with Sweet Thought?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Reason describe as the benefits of friendship?

2. Is the overall tone of The Romance of the Rose optimistic or cynical?

3. Why does Reason disapprove of gifts?

4. What does Reason say about marriages producing children?

5. What plan is put in place for the narrator to get the woman he loves?

6. What is Reason a mouthpiece for?

7. According to Reason, what is Youth?

8. What are the main differences between Venus and Cupid?

9. What is the consequence of having multiple authors for The Romance of the Rose?

10. How do Fals-Semblance and Abstinence work together?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the role of sympathy the reader might have while reading The Romance of the Rose. How does the reader's sympathy shift from the narrator to the rose? What causes this shift to occur?

Essay Topic 2

What purpose does Reason's character serve in The Romance of the Rose? Does he contribute to the plot? Does he contribute to De Lorris's criticisms of the church? Why might De Lorris choose to include his arguments with the narrator?

Essay Topic 3

Is the tone of The Romance of the Rose more cynical or optimistic? Point out at least five pieces of evidence.

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