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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 does Camus describe as 'sheer madness'?

2. Of what do the freighters from Norway smell?

3. Where did Sakyamuni meditate?

4. What do Arabs sell for five sous?

5. Whence had Camus planned to travel in 1939?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Camus take away from his visit to Tipasa?

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

4. Comment on the title of the essay 'Helen's Exile'.

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

6. What technique does Camus use to convey the impression that Tipasa is a peaceful and happy place?

7. What is ironic and unexpected about Camus' description of the way the Algerian people enjoy summer?

8. What is the essay 'Helen's Exile' concerned with?

9. In what respects does Camus state that Algiers is capable of gratifying every human wish?

10. Can the artist remain aloof from the world he comments upon, depicts and criticizes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What would Camus like the societies of North Africa and Europe to learn from each other and from Ancient Greece? In your answer, you should make extensive reference to Camus' essays Summer in Algiers, The Minotaur, Helen's Exile and Return to Tipasa. You should also consider what our own society might learn.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the idea that Camus' essay Summer in Algiers is a celebration of youth in North Africa. You will need to consider if this is so, or if the statement goes too far. Are Camus' comments and assessments positive? Are they biased? Are they balanced? What yardstick does Camus apply when making his observations?

Essay Topic 3

Account for Camus' interest in the work of Russian writer Dostoevsly. For what reasons does Camus choose to refer frequently to this novelist? To what extent is an appreciation of Dostoevsky required to understand Camus' position on The Absurd?

(see the answer keys)

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