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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 are allowed to come and go freely from the Seanchan camp?

2. What does Elaida learn about the capture of Rand?

3. Who shields Elayne from her power when she goes to retrieve the Bowl of Winds?

4. Why does Setalle stop Elayne and Nynaeve?

5. What is Alviarin trying to do in the White Tower?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Rand during the fighting, though at first it seems insignificant?

2. What is one way Tylin forces Mat to accede to her will?

3. What does Birgitte say to Mat when he asks how she got there?

4. What do Mat, Elayne, and Nynaeve argue about as they go to retrieve the Bowl of the Winds?

5. What happens just as the practice sword fight starts?

6. Describe the interaction between Rand and Caraline Damodred and Darlin Sisnera.

7. What transpires between Rand and Perrin concerning the captured Aes Sedai?

8. Describe Nynaeve and Elayne's encounter with Reanne.

9. What happens at Sevanna's camp when she calls upon "Caddar"?

10. What do Elayne and Nynaeve convince Mat to do and what happens when he agrees?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"A Crown of Swords" is one book in a series of novels involving the Dragon Reborn. Discuss the following.

1. What are some advantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

2. What are some disadvantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

3. Do you prefer to read a standalone book, or a series of books with the same main characters? Explain your response.

4. Do you think it is easier, more difficult, or about the same to write a standalone book versus one in a series? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of power throughout "A Crown of Swords". Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with power? Why? What are some symbols of power? Symbols of powerlessness? What characters seem powerless?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of magic throughout "A Crown of Swords". What characters are most concerned with magic? Why? What are some symbols of magic? How does the ability to channel give an automatic advantage to someone over another who cannot channel? Is there abuse of this ability?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of evil throughout "A Crown of Swords". What characters are what you would call evil? Why? What are some symbols of evil? Symbols of good? Are more characters evil than good or vice versa? Do you think in general, there is less evil than good in the book?

Essay Topic 3

Rand al'Thor is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds against him, he usually comes out on top, in this book and in the others in the series. Discuss the following:

1. Which is more admirable, a hero who ultimately always "lands on his feet," or one who strives against impossible odds and does not succeed?

2. Does a character have to be successful in order to be a hero? Explain your answer.

3. Choose one other character besides Rand whom you might call a hero/heroine and explain why you choose that person.

4. Does every work of fiction have to have a hero? Explain your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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