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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 would be a synonym for the phrase 'fecund rumination' (p. 93 of the Penguin Edition)?

2. What kind of thought is involved in the absurd?

3. What is ridiculous about the writer who emulated Peregrinos?

4. What does Camus see as the one truly serious philosophical problem?

5. Who is the hero of Metamorphosis?

Short Essay Questions

1. In an absurd universe, are all actions permitted?

2. What technique of Kafka's does Camus posit as the reason for the unity in that writer's work?

3. What is The Trial about?

4. How does Camus differ from many other commentators when considering the work of Kafka?

5. Why does Camus wonder if an absurd work of art is truly possible?

6. Why is the fame of a writer likely to endure and that of an actor not to do so?

7. What does Nietzsche mean when he says 'Great problems are in the street'?

8. What does humanity need to do in order to understand the world?

9. In mentioning the Diary (p. 100 of the Penguin edition), to what does Camus draw attention?

10. What is absurd man and how can he deal with his predicament?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare the ways in which Kafka's and Dostoevsky's heroes illustrate the idea of The Absurd. In your essay, you will need to show that you understand Camus' rationale for using these heroes as exemplars of his thought. Mention the ways in which the heroes are similar in their attitudes to the world and their fates, and ways in which they are different. Refer only to what Camus says about them. Do not use the novels themselves as reference material.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay in which you explain the ways in which having a personal philosophy benefits the individual. You might like to consider how having a philosophy provides a strong rationale for life choices and actions. You might also consider the effects, for society, of multiple philosophies.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the role and responsibility of the artist in the modern world. Has anything in the context changed since Camus' death fifty years ago? How politically aware and involved should the artist allow himself or herself to be? What intellectual and physical dangers might be faced by the politically involved artist and should this matter?

(see the answer keys)

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