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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 nationality is the new Bishop the Pope has appointed that causes outrage from Magister Militum Daniel?

2. What does Joan know about the Saracens that makes her fear for the safety of Rome?

3. Who attempts to poison Pope Leo in order to clear the way for the election of a new pope?

4. What does the missus accuse Joan of?

5. What punishment does the Pope give the person accused of starting the fire?

Short Essay Questions

1. What warning does Joan give Pope Sergius in the face of the Saracen attack that he does not heed?

2. Why does Joan finally agree to run away with Gerold?

3. To what office does Anastasius aspire? For what reason?

4. What does Joan implement in order to help slow the spread of the plague during Church services?

5. How do Gerold and Joan become stranded together in a boat?

6. Who starts the fire that burns the new wall Pope Leo is building and destroys several other buildings, including the school? Why?

7. Why is Cardinal Leo elected Pope over Anastasius?

8. Why does Pope Leo excommunicate Anastasius?

9. What does Joan encourage Pope Sergius to do that makes Benedict unhappy?

10. What miracle does Joan create in order to stop the fighting between Pope Sergius and Lothar?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following themes, citing examples from the novel:

1. Oppression of women

2. Religion

3. Politics.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the men in Joan's family. Who was Joan's father? Why does he feel women are inferior to men? How does this belief affect the relationship between Joan and her father? Discuss Matthew. How does Matthew seek to help Joan educate herself? How does this affect their relationship? What gift does Matthew give to Joan? Why is Joan blamed for Matthew's death? Who is John? What is his relationship like with Joan? What causes the tension in this relationship? What does John want to be as an adult? Why? Why will John never achieve his dream?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Joan's attempts to heal and prevent spread of disease during her time at the monastery. How does Joan heal a woman thought to have leprosy? What is the woman's true illness? How does Joan heal this illness? What reaction does Joan get from the other monks when the woman is healed? How does Joan attempt to slow the progression of the plague during mass? Does this stop the spread? Do other priests adopt this same practice? How do church officials reward Joan for these actions?

(see the answer keys)

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