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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. Who comes out of the forest to help Martha when she is hit on the head by a robber?

2. As Aliena plans the escape from William, what does she pack to take with her?

3. What are the values of the boys who gather in the marketplace?

4. What is Tom Builder's one passion in life?

5. What does Aliena's and Richard's father make them vow to him?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the plan Philip devises to get more work done on the cathedral before the visit from Bishop Henry.

2. What is the favorite pastime of the young boys who gather early in the marketplace?

3. What is the fate of the White Ship and its passengers after it sets sail from England in 1120?

4. Why does Lord William Hamleigh fire Tom from the job of building him a house?

5. Describe the condemned man's appearance.

6. What is the deal that Archdeacon Waleran makes with Philip after the death of Prior James, the Prior of Kingsbridge?

7. How do Aliena and Richard escape from the castle?

8. Why does Abbot Peter transfer Prior Philip out of the monastery where he was born and where does he send him?

9. What is the secret compromise that Philip proposes to the Hamleighs about the forests and quarry in Shiring and how does this affect his relationship with Waleran?

10. What does Tom ask Ellen after she allows Tom and the children to stay in her cave, giving them food and shelter?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Compare the hanging of Jack Shareburg in the beginning of the novel to the hanging of William Hamleigh at the end.

2) Compare the reaction of the two prisoners, and the reaction of the spectators while awaiting the hanging.

3) What do the hangings reveal about the character of Jack and William?

Essay Topic 2

1) Analyze the resolution of the story as it relates to each of the main characters in the novel.

2) Explain the metamorphosis each of their experiences in the final chapters.

3) Describe how Philip's thoughts that the world will never be quite the same relate to the characters and the crown.

Essay Topic 3

1) Analyze Jack's coming of age throughout the novel.

2) What fears and emotions does he experience as he grows from childhood to adulthood?

3) How does his outlook on life, education, and love change as he develops from a boy into a man?

4) Cite examples of Jack's character changes throughout his life.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 752 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample