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. Julian tells his generals he is confident he prevails against the Persians because:

2. Julian is pierced in the side with a spear. When the doctors examine Julian's wound, they say:

3. When Libanius is refused permission to publish the Julian manuscript, his reaction is:

4. When the temple to Apollo is burned, Julian blames:

5. Before engaging in battle with the Persian troops, Julian takes a day off for:

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Constantius' response when Julian is acclaimed Augustus by the people? What does he do? How do you think he feels?

2. How does Julian react when the signs and messages from the deities are not what he wants to hear?

3. How does Julian really feel about religion at the time of his ascension to the position of Augustus?

4. Julian claims to be tolerant of different religions. Why does he feel compelled to attempt to initiate religious upheaval among the Romans and convert them from Christianity to Hellenism? What makes him think he can succeed at this monumental task?

5. Describe Julian's lifestyle after he becomes Augustus.

6. Several things happen that suggest to Julian that his death may be imminent. Cite some of these occurrences. What does Julian think about these incidents and how does he react?

7. The relationship between Julian and Eusebia is never really made clear. Describe what you know about this relationship.

8. Describe the scene of the battle near Ctesiphon the next day. What does Julian do during the battle? What does he do immediately after the battle?

9. Priscus, for one, takes a different viewpoint about Julian's popularity and his claims that he is beloved by the army and the people of Rome. What does Priscus say to Libanius about Julian's public image at the time of his ascension to Augustus?

10. Julian has grown more and more enamored with belief in the Hellenistic gods and more distant from Christianity. His dislike of Christian holidays is well known. Why does he publicly celebrate Epiphany?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of characters and incidents in the story that show a side of Julian that is kind, compassionate, caring and sympathetic. How do you reconcile this aspect of Julian's personality with his political wiliness, his behavior on the battlefield, his contempt for Christianity and efforts to eradicate it, and other harsh or uncompromising aspects? Which is the 'real' Julian?

Essay Topic 2

Describe Julian as a young boy and discuss the circumstances and factors that shape him as he grows to manhood and ultimately to power and glory as Augustus of Rome.

Essay Topic 3

Throughout his life, Julian is greatly influenced by signs, omens, dreams and prophecies. Discuss Julian's reliance in signs, prophecies, dreams and omens. Is it a weakness, a flaw or a legitimate philosophical perspective? Consider the idea of self-fulfilling prophecies and the power of suggestion in Julian's life.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,361 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample