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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. The ___________ King is in command of all of the soldiers who have finally arrived at the Hot Gates.

2. How many years have passed since the story of the boy and the animal has taken place?

3. The young boy in the story leaves ______________ in order to travel to the wilderness to prove himself.

4. Who leads the force of Arcadian Greeks that Leonidas encounters on his way to battle?

5. Before the armies match to Hot Gates, where do they have to pass in their march?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the soldiers in the beginning of the novel wear as they match to battle?

2. Why do the ephors object to the plans of Leonidas when he comes to visit them?

3. Describe the area in which the ephors live during this second chapter of the book.

4. What is one of the reasons why Leonidas refuses to send the sign of subjugation to the Persian king?

5. Why does Leonidas believe he brought more soldiers than anyone, even though Daxos' group is larger?

6. What do the Greeks exult over when they reach the Hot Gates during the violent storm?

7. Why does Dilios tell stories to the soldiers as they are preparing for battle?

8. What happens to Stelios as he marches in the weather at the beginning of the novel?

9. What does King Leonidas order Stelios to do with the captain that has been beaten senselessly?

10. Why is Daxos disappointed with Leonidas when he sees him marching toward his own group of troops?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The bravery of the Spartans is seen from the very beginning of the battle with the Persians.

Part 1: How do you think the bronze armor helped the bravery of the Spartans?

Part 2: Do you think that all of Leonidas' army is as brave as he thinks they are? Why or why not?

Part 3: What might make a soldier true to his army? What makes a soldier brave enough to fight?

Essay Topic 2

Though Leonidas and his army die at the hands of the Persians, all does not seem to be lost.

Part 1: Why does Leonidas go into a battle he knows he will lose?

Part 2: Why doesn't Leonidas' army desert him and run away from the Persian army?

Part 3: Why is the defeat of Leonidas such an inspiring story?

Essay Topic 3

Ephialtes really wants to fight for Sparta, but his physical deformity prevents him from impressing Leonidas.

Part 1: What is the role of Ephialtes in the story? Why is his character so important?

Part 2: What might have happened had Leonidas allowed him to be on the army?

Part 3: Why do you think Ephialtes wanted to fight with Leonidas?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 649 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample