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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 the Queen want Nettle to come to court?

2. What might Jek believe about Golden?

3. What does Tom demand of Golden and Chade while he is recovering?

4. What does Golden plan to do about Dutiful's quest?

5. Who is Laudwine's middle man with Thick?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Tom find out about Thick's spying and what does Civil teach Dutiful?

2. How does Tom heal from his stab wound?

3. What does Tom notice when he looks in the mirror after being healed?

4. What rumor is passed around about Laudwine's death?

5. What does Hap tell Tom about Svanja and what is Tom's response?

6. What happens during Tom's confrontation with Laudwine, when does he see Henja and what happens to Tom right after he sees Henja?

7. Where is Tom when he wakes up from being stabbed and who comes to get him?

8. What does the Queen say about Nettle?

9. What does Tom realize about the coterie and what does Chade want to do about the coterie?

10. What idea does Tom discuss in the epilogue?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What do you think are the characteristics of a successful novel?

2. Analyze and discuss "The Golden Fool" based upon the criteria you decide upon in #1 and judge if it is a successful novel.

3. Do you think the criteria for a successful novel should be different if it is written for adults versus young adults? Why or why not? Would most adults consider "The Golden Fool" a successful novel? What about young teens?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "The Golden Fool", identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in "The Golden Fool". (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "The Golden Fool" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "The Golden Fool" is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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