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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. Why does the Baron scold Cosimo?

2. What is one of the main desires the Baron has concerning his son's choice of living arrangements?

3. Why does the Cavalier sneak off the Baron's land sometimes?

4. What does the Baron do when an important family visits?

5. What does Cosimo see pirates doing one night?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Sinforosa?

2. What does Battista do to make Cosimo come home and what is the result of her action?

3. What does Cosimo tell Viola about a decision and what happens when he tells her?

4. How does Cosimo's first encounter with the fruit thieves happen?

5. What do the brigands around town do about Gian de Brughi being in hiding?

6. What does Cosimo tell Biagio about their uncle's activities and what does he want to do about them?

7. Why does Cosimo talk with the Abbe so much and what happens as the result?

8. How does Cosimo's mother feel by the evening about Cosimo still being in the trees?

9. What do Cosimo's parents want to know about the men Cosimo enlisted for his project?

10. With what important meal does the book open with?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Biagio wants all the more to assure Cosimo of his loyalty despite his remaining on the ground, and so agrees to supply him with everything he requires to set up a more permanent dwelling in the trees.

1. Why do you think Biagio is not joining his brother in the trees? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

2. Do you think Biagio is right or wrong for making it easier for his brother to remain in the trees? Why or why not?

3. What do you think of Cosimo's attempts to pressure his younger brother into helping him?

Essay Topic 2

Cosimo's relationship with his mother has ended happily in spite of many problems earlier. Cosimo had time to know his mother as an adult and to be comfortable with her before her death. He was able to resolve differences and say good-bye. Often people don't have this opportunity.

1. Why do you think it was important and helpful for Cosimo to spend so much time with his mother in her last weeks? Use examples from the book and your own life to support your answer.

2. Cosimo had the opportunity to spend time with his mother, though it appears he did not have that with his father. Write a letter from Cosimo to his father saying what you think he might say based on the Cosimo you've seen in the past twenty chapters.

Essay Topic 3

The lesson Cosimo learns in chapter fourteen is that a problem that unites people is a powerful force for good as long as it exists.

1. What do you think is meant by this statement? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

2. Do you think uniting people for a bad reason can be as powerful as for good? Why or why not?

3. If you had a task to do that would require a group to finish it, how would you go about organizing and inspiring them?

(see the answer keys)

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