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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 does Reanne threaten Nynaeve and Elayne?

2. Where does Mat move?

3. Who tries to heal Rand?

4. Who attacks Mat out in the street?

5. What is still happening in Mat's head?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does Anan take Elayne and Nynaeve and what does Anan do on the way?

2. Describe Moghedien's visit to the Pit of Doom.

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

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

5. What does Perrin decide to do after his argument with Rand?

6. How do the women in the Circle respond to Elayne's arrival with some other Aes Sedai?

7. What does Elayne learn about the Tower's attitude towards the Circle?

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

9. Who attacks Mat in Chapter 21, and why does he think they expected something?

10. What happens while Morgase is in her tent in Chapter 26 and where does she go?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"A Crown of Swords" belongs to the literary genre of fantasy fiction. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly define the term genre and offer examples of it from your own reading experience. Why do you think it is useful to categorize fiction into genres? What could be a disadvantage of doing so?

2. What do you think is the main motivation for a person to read a fantasy novel? Is entertainment a suitable reason? Are there any other reasons to read this genre? What? Explain fully.

3. In academe, fantasy novels are often thought of as less literary than some other genres and for that reason are sometimes snubbed in the study of literature. Why do you think this is so? Do you agree with this snobbery?

Essay Topic 2

The word "ta'veren" is used frequently in "A Crown of Swords" and in all the other books in Jordan's Wheel of Time series. Discuss the following:

1. Explain the concept of ta'veren and give examples of it to illustrate your explanation.

2. Do you think Jordan uses instances of ta'veren as a narrative contrivance? Why? Give examples to support your stance.

3. How do you think the concept of ta'veren adds to the complexity of the novel? Explain using examples.

Essay Topic 3

Though it is not a part of "A Crown of Swords", the readers are given enough information to learn that Rand al'Thor was, up until a short time ago, a shepherd in a small village in Two Rivers. Discuss the following:

1. How do you think Rand has changed from who he was before Moiraine comes to his village to the Rand he is in "A Crown of Swords"?

2. Why do you think Jordan chooses a young, unknown man to be the hero of the series?

3. How would the book have been different if Rand had been a prince?

4. How would the book have been different if the Dragon Reborn had been a female?

(see the answer keys)

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