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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 celebration does Alessandra attend in Chapter 37?

2. What upsets Tomaso most about his case of boils?

3. In Chapter 45, who is arrested after Savonarola?

4. After the painter leaves, how does Alessandra describe life at the convent?

5. Why does Mother Superior let the painter stay with Alessandra in the convent?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Alessandra prepare to end her life?

2. How does Cristoforo react to Tomaso and the painter being arrested?

3. How does Alessandra react when Cristoforo brings Tomaso home in Chapter 26?

4. How does Alessandra grow closer to the painter when he stays with her and Cristoforo?

5. How do the French affect Alessandra's life in Chapter 20?

6. When Alessandra visits the painter while he is locked in the chapel, what does she discover about his art?

7. How does Erila react when she learns that Alessandra and the painter made love?

8. What does Savonarola preach about when he won't let women in the church?

9. How does Alessandra react to the snake tattoo she sees on the man in the market?

10. What illnesses does Cristoforo worry about in Chapter 37?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does the author use high art to mirror politics in this novel?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the use of symbolism in this novel. Consider Alessandra's snake tattoo or the images in the frescos.

Essay Topic 3

Trace Alessandra's relationship with the painter throughout this novel. How is this relationship affected by outside forces? How is it shaped by inside forces? Which do you think are most powerful?

(see the answer keys)

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