View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why do the Northmen fear the item in question #55?

2. What does Buliwyf find in his destroyed village?

3. How does Ibn view his coming trip with the Northmen?

4. What does Buliwyf do with a small stone carving they find in the farmhouse?

5. Who meets the warriors as they arrive at Rothgar's hall?

Short Essay Questions

1. What hits the land right after the burial and what does Ibn notice about the Northmen?

2. Describe Trelburg.

3. What holds up Ibn's travels?

4. What do Buliwyf and his group find in a farmhouse and what does Buliwyf find there that he smashes?

5. How do the Northmen hold funeral rites for their leader?

6. How does Ibn describe the rivers where he travels?

7. What does Ibn think of Rothgar's Hall when he first sees it and what does Herger say about the hall?

8. How does Ibn end up telling a story in Rothgar's Hall?

9. What is the river Gayih like and what happens when Ibn crosses it?

10. Where do the Northmen make landfall, how do they travel next and how does Ibn feel about the traveling? Why do they travel so many hours in a day?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The reading of the bones is not described in much detail, but some readers may recognize this act as a common ritual among certain cultures. An old woman or man is revered as a type of prophet able to read the future. This person is used to determine the wisdom of acting in a certain way whenever a difficult situation presents itself. Buliwyf does not argue with the crone's words but rather accepts them and his own fate.

1. What do you think is the difference between superstition and belief? Use examples from "Eaters of the Dead" and your research to support your answer.

2. Why do you think Buliwyf accepts his fate in such a stoic manner? Use examples from "Eaters of the Dead" and your research to support your answer.

3. How do you think a crone who is considered a prophet or seer might be able to influence the men in a community? Use examples from the novel and your own research to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in "Eaters of the Dead".

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of "Eaters of the Dead". How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of "Eaters of the Dead". How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 3

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "Eaters of the Dead". Questions that Crichton most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Crichton's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Crichton's probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Crichton and if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,292 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample