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. What is the name of the man in the shop Severian visits after breakfast with Dr. Talos and Baldanders?

2. What do people ask Severian to put on their handkerchiefs on the day of Agilus' execution?

3. What does the man in the shop offer to purchase from Severian?

4. What does Severian find in his satchel following Agilus' execution?

5. What will happen to Severian if he tries to leave the room he is placed in following Thecla's death?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Thecla hope the Autarch will do?

2. What reason does Master Palaemon give Severian that the guild is unable to punish or kill Severian for helping Thecla?

3. What does Severian do for Thecla that breaks a rule of the guild?

4. Why do the priestesses at the holy building search Agia?

5. What does Severian realize about the ferryman who carries him and Agia across the river to get the avern?

6. Why do Severian and the other boys sneak to the gate of the graveyard?

7. How is Severian saved from drowning in the river as he and the other apprentices return home from the graveyard?

8. Why does Severian refuse to take Agia's advice about the duel with the masked man?

9. Why does Vodalus give Severian a gold coin?

10. What is Dorcas unable to do when she is pulled from the river?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why is Severian in love with, or perhaps obsessed with, Agia even though she has proven herself to be unworthy of such attention? What about her seems to hold Severian's interest?

Essay Topic 2

What changes does Severian undergo from the beginning of Shadow & Claw to the end? What events facilitate his growth?

Essay Topic 3

Describe Severian as the protagonist of Shadow & Claw. How does he fit the role of protagonist? Does a torturer and executioner seem a likely hero? Why or why not? Is the character of Severian believable as a man of honor?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 575 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample