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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. What can Margot do on Aretino in Sandro's apartment?

2. With what does Sandro think Margot is in love?

3. What does Father Francisco make clear to everyone?

4. Why does the Bishop reprimand Margot?

5. How does Margot attempt to fool the Bishop?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Margot send to the Bishop and how does she convince him that it is Aretino?

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

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

5. Besides not wanting to leave Sandro, why else is Margot reluctant to leave Florence?

6. What does Madre Badessa say about Aretino?

7. Why do Margot and Sister Gemma have a discussion about religion when visiting Sister Agape?

8. Why does Margot feel nervous when she returns to the convent after the first time she and Sandro make love and what is the outcome?

9. How does Sandro's feelings change from the time of entering the annulment proceedings to after meeting with the judges?

10. Describe Margot's meeting with the Bishop.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Sixteen Pleasures could be said to be a "bildungsroman" of Margot. Discuss the following:

1. Define the concepts "bildungsroman" and "coming of age."

2. Thoroughly trace and analyze The Sixteen Pleasures as a bildungsroman of Margot. Give specific examples. What does Margot learn? How has she changed? Is the change for the better?

3. Thoroughly trace and analyze The Sixteen Pleasures as a psychological study. Give specific examples. What is Margot's emotional/psychological state at the beginning of The Sixteen Pleasures? At the end? What would a psychologist say about Margot's actions? Alessandro's actions? Discuss three other characters in addition to Margot and Alessandro in relation to their emotional/psychological characteristics.

Essay Topic 2

Titles can often say much about a story. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think there is something ironic about the title The Sixteen Pleasures? Why or why not. Discuss fully.

2. What do you think are the Sixteen Pleasures? How do the sixteen pleasures relate to three of the main characters? Two of the minor characters?

3. Thoroughly discuss whether you think the title of the book is the best one possible and why. Why do you think the book is titled The Sixteen Pleasures? Would you be interested in reading this book if you saw it on the library shelf?

4. Discuss the title of the book in relation to the theme of religion. How are the two connected? Do you think religion as it is represented in The Sixteen Pleasures is contrary to the idea of pleasure? Who among the religious orders do you think would believe pleasure is a positive thing to seek? Who do you think would believe one should deny themselves pleasure? Discuss thoroughly with examples.

Essay Topic 3

The Sixteen Pleasures ends on a fairly upbeat note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why? not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of The Sixteen Pleasures and whether or not The Sixteen Pleasures fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why The Sixteen Pleasures is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

4. Would you have wished the ending to be different? Why or why not? Would that have changed what the author wished to convey with the book?

(see the answer keys)

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