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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 Severo do when Amara answers Fra Murta's second set of questions?

2. What religion is the land of Aclar?

3. Why does Jamie's mother suggest it was a whore who birthed Amara?

4. What did Dolca spend the money from Severo on?

5. What has Palinor the most afraid?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Fra Murta finally get Palinor?

2. What does Sor Agnete realize about the crucifix in the chapel?

3. Summarize the discussion between Severo and Fra Murta about conscience and Palinor.

4. What does Severo hope about Fra Murta?

5. Describe Severo's dream and what he sees is the moral in it.

6. What does Palinor see as he rides into Ciudad?

7. What does Fra Murta tell Severo about Aclar?

8. Why doesn't the abbess care about Amara?

9. Why does Severo say the experiment with Amara is void?

10. Why is Severo looking on a map of the world?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Severo gets further proof of his belief that all things are God-ordained, when he encounters Josefa at Sant Clara. What one man sees as evidence of God's work, however, may look like a series of coincidences to another.

1. Do you think the fact of Josefa being at the convent is farther proof that there are no coincidences or accidents? Why or why not?

2. What do you think is meant by the second statement above? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

3. Discuss a situation you or someone you know have experienced that would support or disavow Severo's belief in all things being God-ordained.

Essay Topic 2

Severo's dream brings to light the role the Cardinal has played in Palinor's downfall. Severo easily could have let Palinor go, as the man clearly washed up on Grandinsula by accident, but Severo chose to detain Palinor, because he was interested in talking further with the atheist. What has happened to Palinor on Grandinsula is not a result of God's providence or God's hand, but of Severo's selfish desires.

1. Do you think it is Severo's fault that Palinor is being held? Why or why not?

2. Do you think Palinor should lie to save his life? Why or why not?

3. What would you do if you were in Severo's position? How about Palinor's?

Essay Topic 3

Palinor would consider anything a sin that advanced oneself at the expense of another. Sin should be left to church anyway, because churchmen have the expertise, Palinor says.

1. Discuss what behaviors might be considered sin by Palinor according to the above statement.

2. Do you agree with Palinor that sin should be left to the church? Why or why not?

3. Explain why, according to Palinor's definition of sin, his behavior with Dolca and Joffre would not be considered a sin.

(see the answer keys)

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