Three of the major writing assignments in this literature-based composition class are Character Sketch, Descriptive Narrative, and Exposition of an Idea. A Canticle for Leibowitz provides sufficient base to help students see examples of this kind of writing. Naturally other examples of each of these forms need to be used.
The first three readings comprising the section Fiat Homo are devoted to the character of Brother Francis, his becoming a member of the monastery, and his association with the abbey's attempt to have Leibowitz canonized. All questions for these readings surround the actions of Brother Francis. Before the second section of the novel is read, a Character Sketch of someone students know personally must be created.
The next three readings comprising the section Fiat Lux are devoted to developing the narrative of civilization improving. Hannigan's attempt to unite the continent under his rule, the archaeological study of Thon Taddeo, Hannigan's advisor, the Poet, a wandering, arrogant wise man portray the difficulties of imprinting civilization onto a savage, primitive continent while the most educated group of individuals, the monks of the Abbey of Saint Leibowitz, argues about the wisdom of technology. Before the novel is finished, a Descriptive Narrative is required based on some event that actually happened within the two previous weeks of a student's life. Embellishment and poetic license should be used liberally.
The final two readings allow a discussion of purpose. The events of this third section, Fiat Voluntas Tua, were potentially very real for our world the first two decades after the novel was released. Morality, ethics of war, euthanasia, fragileness of civilization, the hopelessness when nothing can turn the tide comprise the content of this section. Students should write an exposition that analyses some element of individual responsibility in maintaining civilization. This essay involves introspection, understanding of society, humanity, and responsibility and may contrast the hedonism, violence, and inhumane behavior that pervade our society.
STUDY QUESTIONS
Fiat Homo -
part 1 - chapters
1 - 2 Latin
Why might the sight of the
pilgrim have been only a mirage?
What proves the pilgrim is familiar with the desert?
Why was Brother Francis so hungry?
What 'gift' does the pilgrim provide for Brother Francis to complete
his construction?
What kept Brother Francis from exploring the pit immediately?
What discoveries did Brother Francis make at the bottom of the
pit?
Explain which of the discoveries (previous question) is most important?
What does Brother Francis's day-dream consist of?
Fiat Homo -
part 2 - chapters
3 - 7 Latin
What does Father Cheroki think of Francis's
confession?
Identify Fingo; how did he help Francis?
Why does Francis's discovery cause problems for the abbey?
Whom does the abbot think the pilgrim is?
What does the abbot do to make sure Francis was not lying?
Why did Francis believe the pilgrim was real?
Briefly, what was the condition of North America and its people
during this period in the novel?
What keeps Francis from making his profession (entering the monastery
as a full member)?
Explain the "Simplification."
Identify: Isaac Edward Leibowitz.
Finally, after his profession, what duty is Francis given at the
monastery?
Explain why blueprints are 'white on blue.'
Fiat Homo -
part 3 - chapters
8 - 11 Latin
Why did Francis stop and then resume working
on his spare-time project?
Why did Msgr. Aguerre question the engineering of the inner chamber
(in the pit Francis had discovered)?
Why was Msgr. Flaught not given the same amenities Msgr. Aguerre
had been given?
Why did Francis go to New Rome?
Describe the circumstances surrounding the loss of the copy of
the relic.
What happened to Francis as he returned from New Rome to the monastery?
Fiat Lux - part
1 - chapters
12 - 15 Latin
What tribal intrigue (political plan) is intended
for the continent?
What is Thon Taddeo's work ?
Why couldn't Taddeo believe humans had been technologically advanced
before the holocaust?
What problems of civilization do Bro. Armbruster and Bro. Kornhoer
argue about?
Describe the kind of person the poet is.
What did Bro. Kornhoer create and what invention had the abbey
got a century before?
What medical problem troubles the abbot and how is it caused?
Who is the insane "chief" and why do Mad Bear's people
think he is crazy?
Fiat Lux - part
2 - chapters
16 - 19 Latin
How did the town get the name "Sanly
Bowitts?"
List the three appearances of Benjamin thus far in the novel.
What similar burden does the abbot and the old Jew bear?
Why does the abbot fear the Thon and what advice does Benjamin
offer about that fear?
How did Hannigan plan to gain control of the plains?
Why was the Thon amazed that the monks had kept the light hidden?
Why was Kornhoer's invention so amazing? What powered it?
How does the Thon disprove the abbot's original fear about his
visit?
Fiat Lux - part
3 - chapters
20 - 23 Latin
What purpose does the Poet's presence and
statements at dinner have for the life of the monastery?
Briefly describe the collegium.
What meaning or understanding is found in the statement "Ignorance
is King?"
Explain how the Poet's glass eye was a variable conscience.
What is the basic disagreement between the abbot and Thon Taddeo?
What action of Thon Taddeo demonstrated his humanity and concern
for the abbot and the monastery?
Why was the Poet's action just before his death so out of character
for him?
Fiat Voluntas
Tua - part 1 - chapters
24 - 26 Latin
What is the news conference about?
What is an Auto-scribe?
How is Benjamin greeted on his first appearance in this reading
selection?
What is the increased measurement and what is it from?
What world-wide developments are evident and announced in the
second news conference?
Explain "Grex quo peregrinatur?"
Explain the statement: "Lucifer is fallen."
Where does Benjamin make his second appearance in the reading
selection?
What decision must Joshua make?
Fiat Voluntas
Tua - part 2 - chapters
27 - 30 Latin
What duty does the monastery undertake after
local bombing?
What does the doctor talk to Abbot Zerchi about? What course of
action does the doctor then take?
What red tape could obstruct "Grex quo peregrinatur?"
What is Mercy Camp 18?
What were five novices doing at Camp 18?
Why does Mrs. Grales ask for confession?
What major event took place during Mrs. Grales's confession?
Whose skull did Abbot Zerchi discover?
Who or what is apparently saved from the holocaust?
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