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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 does Gallus do to Hilarius?

2. Constantius seems unsure about how to treat Julian, and the first thing he does is:

3. Constantius dies suddenly before Julian can:

4. Julian's relationship with his wife, Helena, is best described as:

5. Julian's first indication that he becomes a great warrior and leader comes from:

Short Essay Questions

1. Julian loses many of the adults of his young life. Describe three of these losses and how they influence him as a youth.

2. Once he is appointed Caesar, Julian is immediately sent to Gaul. Constantius surrounds him with spies and men loyal to the Augustus and does not give him much in the way of military or political support. How does Julian deal with this situation?

3. Gallus and Julian have an affair with the same woman, a servant in their household, at the same time. What do you think this says about the two boys?

4. Julian insists that his brother is led astray by Constantia. Do you think this is true? What evidence can you cite to support your answer?

5. After a few weeks in Athens, Julian is recalled to Italy by his cousin, Augustus Constantius. What is his reaction to being recalled? Why? Why does he think Constantius may be out to get him at this point?

6. Julian first meets his cousin, Constantius, when he is 16. How does he prepare for the encounter and what is his reaction to the visit?

7. What happens to Julian when he returns to Rome? What do you think drives Constantius to do what he does to Julian?

8. Julian often claims that he dislikes the ritual, etiquette and intrigue of the royal court, that he does not seek to acquire rank or power, and that he longs only to become a scholar. Do you think this is true? Give evidence for your answer/

9. Why is Priscus reluctant to be involved with the writing/publishing of the Julian manuscript?

10. What are Julian's observations about the people of Gaul?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

This is a book of historical fiction. Describe the genre of historical fiction and explain why this story fits into the literary category. Does historical fiction help readers understand and relate to other times and historical figures or does it simply romanticize and falsify history? Use characters and incidents from the story to explain your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Julian appears to have an emotional void with respect to women. Discuss Julian's relationships with and feelings about the women in his life. What do you think shape his emotions in this regard?

Essay Topic 3

Explore the evolution of Julian's feelings about Christianity. Why do you think his attitude changes and becomes so negative? Is there anything else going on within him or around him that would influence him to become anti-Christian?

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