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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 will an oppressor use history to justify his oppression, according to Beauvoir?
(a) He will negative aspects of history that existed before his power was attained.
(b) He will point out only past actions of his benevolence.
(c) He will subjectively use the past to justify his power.
(d) He will create new history to confuse his enemies.

2. Since human life is finite, with what does Beauvoir suggest the individual should concern himself?
(a) Dedicating himself to projects that transcend time.
(b) Finding purpose in ambiguity.
(c) Will himself free.
(d) Finding a balance between goals and means.

3. What does Beauvoir claim to be the meaning and substance of all action?
(a) The future.
(b) Existentialism.
(c) Freedom.
(d) Ambiguity.

4. How does Beauvoir suggest violent action against oppression becomes a contradiction to the cause of freedom?
(a) Because those who fight oppression generally desire the power of those they attempt to overthrow.
(b) Because those who fight oppression must oppress those who fight with them to command the battle.
(c) Because conquering enemies requires reducing the enemies to things and those who fight oppression must reduce themselves to things as well.
(d) Because those who see oppressors as being beneficial will believe they fight for freedom in defense of an oppressor.

5. What example does Beauvoir use to illustrate "...festivals (that) stop the movement of transcendence?"
(a) The festivals celebrating the liberation of Paris exalted the end of the history of Nazi occupation of Paris.
(b) Pagan festivals that adopt Christian labels ignore the conflict between the two.
(c) Noted festivals through history note the coming decadence and collapse of the societies that embraced them.
(d) Christian festivals that have been implemented during pagan observations separate Christian doctrine from its literary roots.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the future that Beauvoir sees for herself?

2. What does Beauvoir claim an individual must do to conquer an enemy with violence?

3. For whom do Beauvoir and Marx agree that the cause of freedom is most urgent?

4. What does Beauvoir claim is needed to make an ethical choice in a complex situation?

5. What does Beauvoir claim is revealed through art?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Beauvoir suggest man's life must always be an energetic striving?

2. How does ambiguity affect man when he faces failure and outrageousness, according to Beauvoir?

3. Why does Beauvoir write that the only way way that the oppressed can fulfill his freedom is through revolt?

4. What is the main criticism that Beauvoir makes of the Aesthetic Attitude?

5. What is an example that Beauvoir uses to illustrate the "Antinomies of Action"?

6. How does Beauvoir dispute the idea that individual freedom does not lead to anarchy?

7. What does Beauvoir claim becomes of those who adopt the Aesthetic Attitude?

8. How does Beauvoir show that the complexity of the world affects those who are fighting for a cause?

9. How does Beauvoir claim living as an existentialist would affect men?

10. What is the example of the conservative that Beauvoir uses to illustrate how tyrants will attempt to prevent revolt?

(see the answer keys)

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