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. How does the translator suspect the modern reader will view the sexual nature of "The Satyricon"?

2. How does the Trimalchio arrive at the dinner table?

3. What does the author's title at the emperor's court say about himself?

4. How do scholars see "The Satyricon" today?

5. What threat does Giton make that urges Tryphaena to immediately pardon them?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Eumoplus offer to be Giton's guardian? What else does he offer and what does he want in return?

2. What was Petronius' title in the emperor's court and what significance was the title?

3. What is Ascyltus' response when Encolpius confronts him about the attempted rape of Giton?

4. What link does Petronius fail to make in "The Satyricon"?

5. Explain the egg delicacy served after Trimalchio arrives.

6. How does Petronius treat sordid events in his story? How would other writers from the era have treated them?

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

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

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

10. What announcement does Trimalchio make at his dinner and what does the event seem to become?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define and discuss Menippean satire? What differentiates this satire from other types?

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the primary gods/goddesses involved in Claudius' trial in "The Apocolocyntosis." Who were they, what did they represent and what position did they take on Claudius' request?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 693 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample