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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. What entertainment does Alec prod Richard into coming to, in Chapter 14?

2. After Richard kills Lord Horn, who is looking for him?

3. What happened to the lead performer, during an early performance of the entertainment?

4. Does Richard tell Michael who ordered the challenge?

5. Whose house does Alec go to?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Alec give to the Duchess?

2. How does Lord Horn respond to Alec?

3. What does Richard think about the audience at the performance he and Alec go to?

4. For what reason does Richard claim he killed Lord Horn?

5. What is Ginnie's reaction to the death of Lord Horn's swordsmen?

6. What objection does Alec pose to writing the letter?

7. Describe the game played at the Duchess's party in Chapter 19.

8. During his meeting with the Duchess, what does Richard learn about the betting about him?

9. Where does Richard meet Katherine after the trial?

10. How does Richard feel about the duel he participates in during Chapter 16?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the primary thematic ideas in the novel is social class. Discuss social class in the novel.

1) What are the social classes in the novel, and what defines them? How does society treat the members of different social classes?

2) How do the characters in the novel fit into their social classes, and what dissatisfies characters about their social classes?

3) How do the different social classes interact with each other and affect each other?

Essay Topic 2

Swordsmanship is central to the novel. Discuss sword fighting in the novel.

1) What changes about Michael after he studies sword fighting? What causes him to change?

2) What does sword fighting require? Is it a laudable occupation? What drives Richard to be a swordsman?

3) Basil believes hiring swordsmen is barbaric. Explain his point of view. Why does he think it is barbaric? How true is his depiction?

Essay Topic 3

Richard is the central figure of the novel. Discuss Richard's character.

1) How does Richard change from the beginning to the end of the novel. Does he change?

2) What motivates and drives Richard throughout the novel? What does he want or desire?

3) Why does the novel focus on Richard as a central character?

(see the answer keys)

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