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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. Why, according to the translator, is "The Satyricon" difficult to classify?

2. Who made advances toward Ascyltus when he is with the old woman?

3. How does the argument between Encolpius and Ascyltus in the section called Puteoli end?

4. What does the accountant read at the dinner party?

5. How do Ascyltus and Encolpius acquire the item they try to sell?

Short Essay Questions

1. What joke involving a pig does Trimalchio play on his guests?

2. Into what genre does "The Satyricon" clearly fit? Why?

3. Explain Encolpius and Ascyltus' fight over Giton after their dinner at Trimalchio's.

4. Explain the egg delicacy served after Trimalchio arrives.

5. Who does Encolpius meet at a museum and what relationship develops between the two people?

6. What points to Titus Petronius as the author of "The Satyricon" other than writing style and language?

7. Encolpius blames teachers for making young students grow up to become worthless people. Who else does he blame and why?

8. Is Petronius a typical satirist for his era? Why or why not?

9. What is the accountant's role at the dinner?

10. Why does Ascyltus call Encolpius a hypocrite? Explain the situation.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the main characters of "The Apocolocyntosis." Who was the protagonist and what separates that character from the other main characters?

Essay Topic 2

Name and define the five types of conflict. Which conflict prevailed in both stories? Explain the conflict in detail, using examples from both stories.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the life of Petronius and his role in the emperor's court.

(see the answer keys)

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