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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 is Theseus proclaimed the leader of the bull dancers in Crete?

2. Why does Theseus not accept the gifts at the dinner party?

3. Who does Theseus watch at the bull fight and decides she is human?

4. Why does Theseus take a different path every night on the way to meet his lover?

5. After arriving in Crete, what does the man who slapped Theseus across the face throw into the ocean?

Short Essay Questions

1. Recall how the dancers obtain their bull.

2. Explain what the old woman in Aigeus' kingdom says to Theseus.

3. Explain why Asterion might have a grievance against Theseus.

4. Evaluate Theseus' feelings after taking the king's life.

5. Describe an incident in Crete where Theseus shows compassion.

6. Explain what Theseus learns about Asterion's true identity.

7. Recall what Theseus learns about bull dancing while traveling to Crete.

8. Explain the relationship between Theseus and Ariadne.

9. Evaluate how much Theseus has grown as a leader in Crete.

10. Recall what Ariadne tells Theseus about King Minos, explaining how he became sick and why.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Aigeus is Theseus' father and the king of Athens; their relationship is an important element to the novel.

Part 1) Compare and contrast the characters of Aigeus and Theseus. How are they similar? How are they different. Give some examples from the text.

Part 2) Explain whether you believe it a good thing that Aigeus sent Theseus away as a child. Should he have tried to raise him?

Part 3) Who do you think should have been the ruler in the end if Aigeus hadn't committed suicide? Aigeus or Theseus?

Essay Topic 2

Ariadne is an important character in The King Must Die, and her relationship with Theseus is important in the story.

Choose either topic 1 or 2 to write about:

1) Compare and contrast the characters of Ariadne and Theseus. How are they similar? How are they different?

2) What do you think would have happened if Ariadne had not been in the story? Would the outcome have changed? Cite examples to show Ariadne's influence on Theseus.

Essay Topic 3

Foreshadowing is a literary tool used in The King Must Die. Cite three examples of foreshadowing and how it's used to foretell events to come.

(see the answer keys)

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