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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How is Tiro related to Cicero?
(a) He is Cicero's nephew.
(b) He is Cicero's brother.
(c) He is Cicero's student.
(d) He is Cicero's slave.

2. Sextus Roscius (pater) does what for a living?
(a) Secretary.
(b) Carpenter.
(c) Farmer.
(d) Senator.

3. What does Gordianus learn at the home of Caecilia Metella?
(a) That Cicero will not be able to pay him.
(b) That Sextus Roscius (pater) had a son from his second marriage named Gaius
(c) That Cicero has ulterior motives this investigation.
(d) That Sulla killed his first wife.

4. Sextus Roscious (pater) aligned himself with which family before he died?
(a) The noble Rufus family.
(b) The powerful Metelli family.
(c) The wealthy Messalla family.
(d) The highly intellectual Cicero family.

5. Why did Polia tell neighbors she saw the murder and then deny it?
(a) She was paid off by the murderers.
(b) She was ashamed.
(c) She killed Roscius.
(d) She was trying to protect Eco.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is significant about Gordianus lacking a surname?

2. Who is the man prosecuting Cicero's client?

3. How does Tiro react to these events in Chapter 2?

4. In what way did Roscius (pater) breech strict societal codes?

5. After questioning Polia, Gordianus and Tiro stop at a tavern. Gordianus_______________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the significance of the fact that the men who break into Gordianus's house had come earlier in the day?

2. Why would the shopkeeper and his wife lie about witnessing the attack of Roscius?

3. Why does Bethesda bite Gordianus when he comes into her room?

4. Do you think Elena really was pregnant? Or was she setting Roscius up to be attacked?

5. In Chapter 5, Cicero says to Tiro, "A fit subject for debate: Is it possible that a slave can be too loyal to his master? That is to say, too enthusiastic in his devotion, too ready to spring to his master's defense." What is your answer to that question?

6. Why does Cicero send Tiro instead of a lesser slave to the home of Gordianus?

7. What is the purpose of the author's inclusion of the scene where Gordianus and Tiro see a gladiator stabbed while they are walking to Cicero's house?

8. Why does Polia think she is protecting Eco by lying about him witnessing the attack?

9. Do you think Gauis's death was accidental or a murder? Why?

10. Explain why Caecilia would house Sextus Roscius (filius) in an unsavory part of her house, near the stinking indoor toilets.

(see the answer keys)

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