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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. How long does the curse on the men of Ulster last?

2. Who has war with Aife?

3. What is given in exchange for the baby born at the inn?

4. Who do the poets of Ireland gather to meet?

5. Who talks in bed?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who makes up Medb and Ailill's great army?

2. How does Emer's father plan to get rid of Cuchulainn? What is the result?

3. How does Derdriu die?

4. How did Cuchulainn get his name?

5. What is unusual about Fedlimid's pregnant wife?

6. Discuss "woman's thinking" as the great army nears Ulster.

7. Name three creatures that become involved in the epic battle between the two pig-keepers.

8. Who does Derdriu marry and how does their marriage occur?

9. Who is the first person Cuchulainn kills with the gae bolga? Explain the circumstances that result in the death.

10. Who is Setanta?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define rising action as an element of plot. Discuss in detail the rising action in The Tain. How does the author present it? How does the rising action flow? How does the rising action add to the suspense of the story?

Essay Topic 2

Name and define the five types of conflict. Which conflict prevailed in this novel? Select a different type of conflict and explain how this story would have differed under that particular type of conflict.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the protagonist in The Tain. Discuss the antagonist. Is there ever a time in the novel when it seems like they have reversed roles? Use the definition for the terms in your response.

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