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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. How does Margot feel about the Bishop?

2. What month does Sandro decide Margot is?

3. With whom does Margot spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

4. Where does Margot take a train?

5. What does the Bishop want to see?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Margot decide about leaving Florence and then what makes her change her decision?

2. What does Sandro think about as he looks at Margot as they are riding in a taxi in Chapter 14?

3. What do Sandro and Margot do and what is Margot's response?

4. When is Margot ready for the final phase of restoring Aretino; where does she go for help in this phase and what does she do?

5. How does Sandro shock Margot a couple weeks after the fresco removal?

6. How does Sandro rationalize his deciding not to propose to Margot?

7. What does Madre Badessa say about Aretino?

8. What does Margot ask Sandro as far as their visit to Volmaro and what is his reply?

9. What is Father Francisco's directive concerning the nuns disturbing him?

10. What does Sandro think about his day so far as he and Margot are eating at a Chinese restaurant?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in The Sixteen Pleasures.

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of The Sixteen Pleasures. How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of v. How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels and short stories have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of The Sixteen Pleasures, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in The Sixteen Pleasures. (They may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 3

Setting as far as place and time play an important role in The Sixteen Pleasures. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast several aspects of the setting of that time (1966s) from how it would be today. Consider things such as cultural norms/expectations, technology, religion and medicine.

2. Do you think The Sixteen Pleasures would be different if it were set in the United States? Consider the cultural differences as you discuss the way the story would change is set in the United States.

3. Discuss some of the differences between the United States and Italy of the late 1960s, as far as the relationship between men and women and gender expectations. What are some similarities? (This essay topic will require some research).

(see the answer keys)

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