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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 book cited Adso’s manuscript?

2. When does Compline take place?

3. Who used to be a Dolcian?

4. Where was the apostolic seat?

5. Why does the Abbot withhold some information in ‘First Day’?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does it look like Venantius died?

2. Who is the Emperor at the time of the events in the novel?

3. What does Benno reveal about Adelmo?

4. Who is the Pope at the time of the events in the novel?

5. What must the men pass through to reach the library at night?

6. What do the monks debate at the first dinner?

7. What is William’s mission at the abbey?

8. Who, in ‘Second Day,’ reveals that the library is a labyrinth?

9. How does Adso feel about ‘modern’ life?

10. How did the narrator originally lose his copy of the book?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

William is fascinated by machines and makes particular reference to some new inventions. What inventions does he mention? How does he treat them? What are the other monks’ reactions to these inventions? What is their greater, symbolic significance for the text?

Essay Topic 2

The library’s organization is nearly impossible for the protagonists to figure out. Describe the organization of the library, as well as the books contained therein. Why is the term “Finis Africae” significant? Who keeps the library, and why is this a significant role?

Essay Topic 3

A book is at the heart of the novel. Describe this book and its significance in the story. Why is it important? What does it lead men to do? What commentary might this lead us to about the nature of knowledge, of reading, of literature?

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This section contains 462 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample