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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. On what was Guicciardini more focused?

2. What else do Italians think about capitalism?

3. Why do most Italians have no need to read Guicciardini's writing?

4. What must each member do to provide for the greater good of the family?

5. Guicciardini became a lawyer and went into what service in 1515?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the elementary rules for survival in Italian society?

2. What causes the confusion about the Mafia?

3. How do the actions of the Northerners affect the achievement of their goals? How do the beliefs of the Southerners contrast this?

4. What is the fundamental reason for why the South will not narrow the gap between itself and the North?

5. Describe Sicily.

6. What do most Italians think of contemporary capitalism?

7. Why will the gap between the Northerners and the Southerners not improve in the immediate future?

8. What is one difference between Northerners and Southerners?

9. What is the social status of men and women in an Italian family?

10. What do the Sicilians call the Mafia? What do Mafia members think of themselves?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the most prominent proponents of illusion is Baldassar Castiglione.

Part 1) Who was Baldassar Castiglione? How did he promote illusion?

Part 2) Why did he promote illusion? Why is deception important to Italians at this time? Why is it important today?

Part 3) How do you feel about this illusion and deception? Why do you feel this way?

Essay Topic 2

A contemporary of Casanova's was Giuseppe Balsamo.

Part 1) Who was Giuseppe Balsamo? For what is he famous?

Part 2) Why is this story included in this book?

Part 3) How does Balsamo compare to other Italians of his day? How does this affect one's view of Italy?

Essay Topic 3

Benito Mussolini was head of the Fascist party.

Part 1) Describe Mussolini's life. How is he an example of Italian showmanship gone wrong?

Part 2) Was Mussolini ultimately a success or failure? Why?

Part 3) What was important to Mussolini and others like him? Why was this important? What does this reinforce regarding Italian life?

(see the answer keys)

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