Baltasar and Blimunda by José Saramago
- 1. "Baltasar and Blimunda" is a remarkable novel by Portuguese author José Saramago that intricately weaves themes of love, hope, and the struggle for freedom against the backdrop of 18th century Portugal. The story centers around Baltasar, a courageous and skilled carpenter who has lost his left hand in the war, and Blimunda, a woman endowed with the supernatural ability to see into people's souls. Their lives intertwine as they navigate the oppressive socio-political environment of the Inquisition, marked by religious tyranny and the quest for enlightenment. The novel follows their journey as they fall in love amidst societal restrictions, while also supporting the grand endeavor of constructing a flying machine for the famous architect Rodrigo de Montalvo. Saramago's prose is rich and lyrical, filled with philosophical reflections on existence, spirituality, and the pursuit of the unattainable, challenging readers to consider the intersection of faith and reason in a world defined by its contradictions. The narrative captures the essence of the human spirit's resilience, showcasing the power of love and the dream of flight as symbols of liberation, making it a profound exploration of the human condition and the socio-cultural landscape of its time.
Who is the author of 'Baltasar and Blimunda'?
A) Milan Kundera
B) Gabriel Garcia Marquez
C) Chinua Achebe
D) José Saramago
- 2. What is the main occupation of Baltasar?
A) Merchant
B) Soldier
C) Farmer
D) Carpenter
- 3. What is the name of the visionary monk in the story?
A) Brother Jorge
B) Fray Antonio
C) Dom Pedro
D) Domingos Bartolomeu de Gusmão
- 4. How does the relationship between Baltasar and Blimunda develop?
A) Through deceit and betrayal
B) Through rivalry and competition
C) Through mutual love and struggles
D) Through family ties only
- 5. What role does the Inquisition play in the story?
A) It represents oppressive power and control
B) It promotes creativity
C) It has no role
D) It is a source of protection
- 6. How are the themes of love and death depicted in the novel?
A) They are only hinted at
B) They are intertwined and explored deeply
C) They are dismissed and unimportant
D) They conflict with each other
- 7. How does Saramago approach the concept of free will?
A) As a trivial matter
B) As an absolute truth
C) As a complex and often constrained idea
D) As a guaranteed right
- 8. In what way does magic realism feature in the novel?
A) It uses only fantastical elements
B) It avoids supernatural themes
C) It strictly adheres to realism
D) It blends magical elements with reality
- 9. What does Baltasar lose in the war?
A) His mind
B) His home
C) His brother
D) His hand
- 10. What societal issue is reflected in the characters' struggles?
A) Political corruption
B) Economic inequality
C) Environmental degradation
D) Religious persecution
- 11. What does the narrator in the novel often do?
A) Use only dialogue
B) Tell a linear story
C) Address the reader directly
D) Remain detached
- 12. What signifies Blimunda's connection to the spiritual?
A) Her skills in labor.
B) Her wealth.
C) Her education.
D) Her ability to see souls.
- 13. What narrative style does Saramago use in the novel?
A) Epistolary form
B) Stream of consciousness
C) Third-person omniscient
D) First-person narrative
- 14. Why does Blimunda decide to help Bartolomeu?
A) Out of love and a sense of purpose
B) To fulfill a debt
C) To gain fame and riches
D) To avoid punishment
- 15. What kind of society is portrayed in 'Baltasar and Blimunda'?
A) Anarchic and chaotic
B) Democratic and equal
C) Utopian and free
D) Hierarchical and oppressive
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