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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. With whom does Pascali notice Bowles having a growing relationship?

2. To what does he admit concerning the Turks and Greeks?

3. Who has recently arrived by boat to the island?

4. Who seems surprised at the number of objects within the room?

5. Why is Dranas rude to Pascali?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Pascali seem to view the idea of violence in this section?

2. What does Lydia report about the Sultan and how does this report impact Pascali?

3. Why is Pascali very careful about how he describes Bowles to Izzet?

4. How does Pascali represent the theme of violence symbolically?

5. If you were receiving Pascali's spy reports, how would you treat them?

6. Of what does Pascali warn the Sultan, which taken in historical retrospect is "bad advice"?

7. Name a metaphor or symbol that occurs in this section and what it represents.

8. What is a theme that predominates this section?

9. How is the theme of deceit demonstrated by Bowles during the transaction with Pasha?

10. What are some images that seem to suggest the violence that is simmering just below the surface on this island?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Section 10, Bowles suggests he is working for another party, a fact that Pascali nearly misses in his desire for money. Pascali's failure to note this detail with more attention shows his deep desire to escape the island, as he is willing to believe anything for an opportunity of a better life. Answer the following questions by writing a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text, your research or personal experience:

1. List some of the reasons Pascali thinks he has a terrible life on the island. Do you think his reasons are valid?

2. Do you think Pascali could have improved his life on the island? How? Why do you think he has not?

3. In Section 6, Pascali thinks eats grapes and halvah and realizes he loves them both, as he loves the island. This seems contradictory to his sometimes desperate desire to leave the island. Discuss how Pascali can both love and hate the island and his life there.

Essay Topic 2

In Section 10, as Pascali walks to the meeting with Izzet for payment, he smells the blood of the sheep slaughter and reflects that he himself feared this death until recently. Answer the following questions by writing a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text, your research or personal experience:

1. There are often meanings in a sentence or word that have what is called a "double entendre" or "adianoeta" (a lesser-used word). The double entendre of the phrase "blood of the sheep slaughter and reflects that he himself feared this death until recently" is quite subtle. How do you think this description has a double entendre? Explain.

2. Find a few examples throughout the book of words and/or phrases that can have a double entendre. Cite each one and the meanings the phrase can have. How does a double entendre enhance the scene, dialog, or meaning?

3. Can you think of instances in your life when you say something that means two different things? What are some examples of double entendre you have used in your own life?

4. What other author have you read that tends to use the double entendre (think Shakespeare, many poets, etc...)? Find examples find some other works and discuss them.

Essay Topic 3

The characters in Pascali's Island are the central focus of the novel; in other words, the characters drive the plot rather than the other way around as is the case in some novels. Choose one of the following questions and write a well-developed, cohesive essay using examples from the text and your research or personal experience:

1. Write an in-depth character analysis of Pascali. Include a physical description, personality traits, and what beliefs motivate him. What do you like and dislike about this character? Why? Give specific examples.

2. Write an in-depth character analysis of Bowles. Include a physical description, personality traits, and what beliefs motivate him. What do you like and dislike about this character? Why? Give specific examples.

3. Choose three other characters besides Pascali or Bowles and write about them in relationship to both Bowles and Pascali. Are they friendly or hostile to either main character? Explain with examples. What is their purpose(s) in the story?

(see the answer keys)

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