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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. What frightens Reanne?

2. Why does Elayne become angry?

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

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

5. Why do many of the women in the circle start to weep?

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. Whom does Mat find in his room and whom does he realize the person is?

4. What happens as Nynaeve is on a boat to go meet with the Sea Folk?

5. What does Beslan say to Mat about Beslan's mother, Tylin, and how does Mat feel about what Beslan says?

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

7. What does Elayne tell the women in the Circle that causes much emotion?

8. What does Lady Suroth want and what are Morgase's thoughts about the request?

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

10. Describe Nynaeve and Lan's first interaction since he arrived in Ebou Dou.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As in many fantasy novels, magic is an inherent part of a few of the characters and can be wielded by other characters, though not as an inherent aspect of their nature. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the use of magic/channeling source in "A Crown of Swords". Who possesses the ability to channel source as an inherent aspect of their nature? How does the inequality between those who can channel and those who can impact the plot of "A Crown of Swords"?

2. Why do you think magic exists in so many fantasy novels? Do you think a novel can be "fantasy" and there be no magic as a part of the storyline? Why?

3. Would you desire to possess the ability to use magic if there were such a talent in our world? Why? What would be the advantages and disadvantages of possessing such an ability?

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

"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.

(see the answer keys)

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