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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. Why does Katsa quit fighting Po when they are practicing?

2. What did the borderlord do that angered Randa?

3. What does Po's grandfather talk about when he wakes up and they are there?

4. What does Raffin say about why Po keeps his ability to himself?

5. How do Po and Katsa decide to get to Monsea?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Katsa's mission about Ellis go?

2. How does Katsa feel about Po's fighting abilities and why?

3. Where do Po and Katsa spend their second night on the road and what upsets Katsa in the common room?

4. What does Po figure out about Katsa's Grace and about her morals because of the Council?

5. What does Po say to Katsa about Giddon and what is Katsa's response?

6. What does Po want to do after he sees his grandfather, and what does he propose to Katsa?

7. What is Katsa's mission after she rescues Tealiff? What upsets her about it?

8. Why does Katsa kill people and what does she decide to do about the kings of the seven kingdoms?

9. Who pulls a knife on Katsa, and what does she do about him?

10. About what does Katsa confront Po and what is his response?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "Graceling". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Cashore chooses the symbols she does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Cashore chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Cashore's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc.), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Cashore use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme.)

Essay Topic 2

Characters are an important part of what makes "Graceling" interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Katsa. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of the Po. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of King Leck. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

Katsa is surprised to find the Graced Lienid fighter at the court of King Randa. His name is Prince Greening, and Katsa feels his challenge of her. Katsa feels a flash of excitement in looking at the arrogant Prince and has a hard time in dealing with this. With her role in politics, and power, Katsa is used to suppressing her personal feelings.

1. Do you think Prince Greening's challenge of Katsa is chauvinistic? Why or why not? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

2. Do you think what Katsa sees as a challenge by Prince Greening might actually be a display of his attraction to her? Why or why not? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

3. Why do you think someone in Katsa's position has to suppress her personal feelings? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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