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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 makes up the puzzling Problema del Mezzogiorno?

2. Everything during the Baroque period is done for what reason?

3. In return for protection, what does the family demand?

4. Throughout their long history the Italian people have learned that their best defense against corruption, violence, civil wars and revolutions is to do what?

5. Mafia is what?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the difference between mafia and Mafia?

3. In Sicily, how is each man's rank determined?

4. What do Italians think of life? What group of Italians may think differently? What do most Italians think of this group?

5. What happens in the aftermath of the Battle of Fornovo?

6. What causes the confusion about the Mafia?

7. What is meant by mafioso?

8. How is Guicciardini a role model?

9. Who is Francesco Guicciardini?

10. Describe the Baroque period in Italy.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is irony regarding the Italian illusions.

Part 1) What are the Italian illusions discussed in this book? What is ironic about these?

Part 2) Does this sort of illusion exist elsewhere in the world? If so, where? How? If not, why not?

Part 3) Why are Italians and others drawn so strongly to these illusions?

Essay Topic 2

Conflict exists between Northerners and Southerners.

Part 1) Describe both the Northerners and Southerners. Compare these two groups.

Part 2) How do their differences cause conflict? Can peace, understanding, and equality exist in the near future? Why or why not?

Part 3) How do these social conflicts parallel problems in the United States? Were we able to overcome our differences? If so, how? If not, why not?

Essay Topic 3

Italians believed newborn babies are surrounded by genii.

Part 1) What are genii? Why do they believe these surround babies?

Part 2) How do Italians use genii to explain their circumstances and hardships in life? How does this affect their behavior?

Part 3) What are your thoughts on genii? How would they deal with life's hardships?

(see the answer keys)

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