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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. Who has a tendency to yield to his carnal desires and kill those who object to his gluttony?

2. What is the worst possible thing imaginable for chaste women?

3. What does Rectitude claim is the main problem in educating women?

4. When St. Catherine is decapitated, what miracle occurs?

5. Who does Justine's attempted suitor hire?

Short Essay Questions

1. What leads to Ghismonda's suicide?

2. What does Christine mention about rape, and how does Rectitude respond?

3. What is the result of Theodosina's debate with the judge Urban?

4. Describe Saint Catherine's martyrdom.

5. How does Marquis Saluzzo test Griselda's constancy?

6. What does Rectitude say to Christine's claim that the majority of women are not virtuous?

7. Who is Ulysses's wife, and why does Rectitude praise her?

8. What happens when Martina reveals her Christianity to the emperor who wants to marry her?

9. What does Rectitude say about women dressing elegantly?

10. What are at least two examples of men being foolish by ignoring their wise wives' advice?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Investigate "The Book of the City of Ladies" as a feminist novel. How does it adhere to and differ from the typical feminist novel? What changes could be made to mark it more clearly as a feminist novel? What changes could be made to prevent critics from classifying the novel as a feminist novel?

Essay Topic 2

What role does Boccaccio play in "The Book of the City of Ladies," and how does he compare to other literary men that are mentioned throughout the book?

Essay Topic 3

What role do sexist attitudes play in "The Book of the City of Ladies"? What attitudes about gender are represented and by which characters?

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This section contains 925 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample