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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. Who was the legendary founder of the Mycenae and of the Perseid dynasty of Danaans in Greek mythology?

2. What kind of ancestry is suggested by Placidus's appearance in Chapter 9?

3. Where does Marcus tell Esca he bought his dagger in Chapter 7?

4. Who does Marcus tell to muster the squadron and hold them in readiness in Chapter 3?

5. What word from the novel refers to an open-roofed central court in an ancient Roman home?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Marcus consider doing in his future in Chapter 9?

2. What happens when the chariots attack in Chapter 3?

3. Who is visiting Uncle Aquila in Chapter 9? Why?

4. Why does Marcus worry he may be making a laughing stock out of himself in Chapter 3?

5. How does Marcus feel about the end of his career with the Eagles?

6. Where has Marcus been assigned in Chapter 2? How many men does he command?

7. Where is Marcus being tended to in Chapter 4? By whom is he being care for?

8. What does Cottia tell Marcus when she appears in the garden in Chapter 8?

9. From what narrative point of view is the novel related?

10. What rumor regarding the Eagle does the Legate describe in Chapter 10?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In The Eagle of the Ninth, Marcus struggles with both his sense of identity and his sense of belonging. Discuss ways that the author expands upon this theme in the novel. Who else seeks belonging and security in their identity? What symbolism and imagery relate to these themes?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss the Chieftan Dergdian and his village. Where is the village located? What are the people of this village called? How does Marcus help the Chieftan and his people?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the historical context of The Eagle of the Ninth. When does the story take place? Where is it set? What were the social, political, and international atmospheres at this time? How does the author incorporate that history into her novel?

(see the answer keys)

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