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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. Arthur offers peace, friendship, and freedom, but demands Gundleus' life and an oath that Gorfyddyd had ____.

2. Merlin enters majestically with dire threats of retribution for ____.

3. Galahad and Derfel are admitted to Gorfyddyd's great hall where Gundleus and ____ are enthroned beside him.

4. Cuneglas and Iorweth tell Arthur of _____'s mortal wound and are surprised that Arthur asks to apologize to the king for offending his house.

5. Sagramor's 150 ____ come into play.

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain how the end of the section where Arthur tries to get Lancelot and Galahad to make up lays the framework for Derfel's next mission.

2. Explain everyone's attitude towards the Blackshields.

3. Explain Gorfyddyd's promises about sparing everyone and about Mordred and how others react to them and what impact that could have on Arthur.

4. Who is Malldynn and what lesson can be learned from Derfel's encounter with Malldynn.

5. How does Derfel describe the battle of Lugg Vale?

6. How do Derfel and Nimue escape from the Isle Of The Dead?

7. Explain what Queen Igraine thinks of Derfel's love for Ceinwyn and why Derfel takes offense to her opinion.

8. When Derfel is recognized, describe who comes to his rescue and how.

9. Explain what happens during the time that Derfel and Nimue are alone after he rescues her and whether or not you agree with how they relate to each other in the section.

10. Do you agree with Nimue being imprisoned as a witch?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses a technique of telling a story within a story. Using at least three examples from the novel, explain whether or not you feel that it was good for the author to tell the story through Derfel's eyes and have Derfel tell the story to the Queen. In other words, do you feel that Derfel's discussions with the Queen actually added anything to the story? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

One of the major themes of the book is religion.

Part 1: Explain how religion fuels war in the novel.

Part 2: Choose any time in the character when religious lines seem blurred and describe it.

Part 3: Derfel goes through a religious transformation, as the story progresses. Describe what religion he starts out a member of, what religion he winds up a member of and why you feel that transformation took place. Do you feel that it was a good transformation? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

The female characters in the story, such as Ceinwyn, are often used as pawns in a bid to win power or unite kingdoms. Write a detailed essay describing two times where that occurred in the novel and also describing how you feel about the women being used in such a way. Would you have done something differently, if you were in charge of the situation? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,092 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample