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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. Where is Severian sent as punishment?

2. Who is the lover of Thecla's sister?

3. What are the men in the graveyard doing when Severian sees them?

4. Who is hoping that Vodalus can be captured by holding and torturing Thecla?

5. What is an avern?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Vodalus give Severian a gold coin?

2. How do Severian and his challenger attack each other with the averns?

3. As Severian prepares to leave the city following the execution of Agilus, what does he learn about the priestesses?

4. Why is it impossible for Master Malrubius to have been outside Severian's room after the feast?

5. Why isn't the guild able to pass judgement on the people who are sent there?

6. What does Agia have Severian disguise himself as when they leave the shop to find the avern?

7. What happens to Severian's wounds from the duel?

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

9. What does Agia tell Severian he should do rather than dueling with the masked man?

10. What does Severian keep from his friends about his near drowning in the river?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What does the graveyard scene at the beginning of the book foreshadow? How does the author use the scene to hint at events yet to come? Is this instance of foreshadowing effective? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

What examples of symbolism are used in Shadow & Claw? Name at least three examples of symbolism and explain what each stands for.

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 526 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample