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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 happens at noon at the Place du Gouvernement?

2. What is the origin of the nickname 'Clarques'?

3. Camus uses the word 'furtive' to describe _____________.

4. What is the role of Nemesis?

5. What comment does Camus make about Greek thought?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is suggested about the Algiers community by Camus' reference to the colors seen on the beaches in summer?

2. In what respect did the Greek philosopher Heraclitus think of human society and the physical universe being similar?

3. What does Camus mean when he says that the 'tyrannies of today are improved'?

4. What factor does Camus claim separates him from some sections of the leftist movement?

5. In what way did the philosopher Socrates demonstrate his lack of intellectual arrogance?

6. What 'two thirsts' has Camus been able to slake through his visit to Tipasa?

7. What, according to Camus, is paradoxical about the crowded city of Oran, and crowded cities in general?

8. From information in Camus' text, what do we understand Tipasa to be?

9. What lies 'beyond the yellow walls of Oran'?

10. What problems does Camus see in modern philosophy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay that deals thoughtfully with the following:

In an absurd world, is not philosophy itself absurd? If life has no meaning, why have learned people--over many centuries from Ancient Greece to the present--devoted so much time to discussing it? Might they not have been better occupied?

In other words, you will be demonstrating that philosophy is a necessary activity for mature humanity.

Essay Topic 2

Why do you think Camus has chosen what he terms 'extreme examples' in his essay on Absurd Creation? Consider the function that anecdotes and examples perform in explanation, citing more than one context. Do Camus' examples make it easier to follow his argument? Are the examples appropriate or might others have been used? Suggest one alternative and justify your choice.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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