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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 Brother Columbanus die?

2. What is the topic of discussion at the meeting Brother Cadfael goes to after leaving Father Huw?

3. After Father Huw thanks Brother Cadfael, what does Father Huw admit to Brother Cadfael?

4. In secret, how does Brother Cadfael think St. Winifred feels about the outcome of the events involving her remains?

5. To what does Brother Cadfael tell Sioned to personally invite Peredur?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Dame Branwen's behavior help build suspicion against Brother Columbanus?

2. What is Peredur's confession at Rhisiart's funeral?

3. Contrast Brother Cadfael's opinion of women with the medieval opinion of women, as represented by Father Huw.

4. What does Brother Columbanus claim that St. Winifred told him in a dream?

5. How do Brother Cadfael and Sioned test Brother Columbanus to determine if he killed Rhisiart?

6. Because the body of a murderer seems to be bringing as many miracles as the bones of a saint, what conclusion can we draw about the connection between beliefs, logic, faith, and miracles?

7. What are Brother Columbanus' possible motives, according to Sioned and Brother Cadfael?

8. What does Brother Cadfael believe about the miracles St. Winifred is creating at her true grave in Gwytherin?

9. Describe the behavior of Dame Branwen, Peredur's mother, as Brother Cadfael sees her when Father Huw asks him to help.

10. How does Brother Cadfael explain miracles?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is stronger in A Morbid Taste for Bones: A Mediaeval Whodunnit--plot development or character development? Why? Give examples from the story to explain your answer. Do you think the author did this intentionally? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Brother Cadfael needs to use quite a bit of reasoning to solve the mystery of Rhisiart's death. Explain the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning. Which did Brother Cadfael use more frequently, inductive or deductive reasoning? In which situations did he use this form of reasoning? As you formulate your answer, think of these terms: clues, inference, logic, and evidence.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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