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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 does Brother Cadfael notice about the arrow sticking out of Rhisiart's chest?

2. Because the prince has gone south and the sheriff and bailiff are tending to business while he is gone, what won't they have time to do?

3. As Brother Cadfael and Sioned discuss Rhisiart's murder, whom do they agree did not murder Rhisiart?

4. According to the myth explained to Brother Cadfael by Sioned, what person touching the murder victim would cause it to gush blood?

5. How does Father Huw feel when he learns of the approval of Prior Robert's mission?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Rhisiart and Sioned treat each other, especially regarding marriage?

2. What is Father Huw's advice to Prior Robert about getting Rhisiart to agree to his proposal?

3. After Prior Robert hears Father Huw's news from the meeting with the heads of the parish, what does he do?

4. What do we learn about Brother John from his reaction to Prior Robert's desire to obtain relics for the abbey?

5. What do Rhisiart and the townspeople believe about Prior Robert's proposal and how does Prior Robert respond?

6. Contrast Engelard's views on running away from Rhisiart's murder scene with Peredur's reaction to running away.

7. What are Father Huw's views on the approval of Prior Robert's proposal by Bishop David and Prince Owain and the approval of the townspeople?

8. How does Prior Robert try to avoid a debate with Father Huw regarding Prior Robert's proposal?

9. How does Brother Jerome's dream about St. Winifred affect Prior Robert?

10. What do Brother Cadfael and Brother John notice about the oxen and their relationship with the ox-caller?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Several components of quality literature include:

1) a use of descriptive word

2) a use of analogies, metaphors, and similes

3) an attention-grabbing beginning

4) details

5) an appeal to the five senses.

Is A Morbid Taste for Bones: A Mediaeval Whodunnit an example of quality literature? Why or why not? Give examples from the story using three of the five components of quality literature to explain your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Explain one of the following themes as it is developed in A Morbid Taste for Bones: A Mediaeval Whodunnit. Explain where it is present, how it is presented, and how it affects the plot and characters. Give examples from the story to explain your answer.

1) courage

2) innocence vs. wisdom

3) ambition.

Essay Topic 3

In A Morbid Taste for Bones: A Mediaeval Whodunnit, Brother Jerome and Brother Columbanus both have dreams. Compare and contrast their dreams. What are their dreams about? Do the dreams provide any hints or clues of events that take place later in the story? What is the author's purpose in including the dreams in the story?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,031 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample