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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. Why can't Ged get to Roke?

2. What does Vetch insist on doing?

3. What does Yarrow feel about Ged's future?

4. Why are the couple on the island?

5. How does Ged repair his boat?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does it say about Vetch and Ged's friendship that Ged is drawn to the village even before he meets his friend?

2. Why do you think Ged decides magic is not everything?

3. How does Ged realize the Shadow's name?

4. What is significant about the reintroduction of Vetch?

5. Do you think Ged achieves everything in his life he wanted to do?

6. Why is it important that the reader does not know the victor of the fight until Vetch asks him?

7. How is it important to the story that Ged's mother died during his early childhood?

8. How does Ged's meeting with Serret show a coming of age?

9. Is it significant that Ged turns into a hawk?

10. What does Ged learn from his confrontation with Skiorh?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Ged visits Iffish, he says he says he has a good feeling about the place before meeting his good friend Vetch. Why do you think Ged likes the town so much? Does the town reflect Vetch's personality? If so what similarity does the setting have with Vetch's character?

Essay Topic 2

The Wizard of Earthsea is set in a world that is similar to the Middle Ages. Like the Middle Ages, wizard and dragons are an important part of society and people believe in their powers.

1) Why do you think Le Guin has chosen to recreate a world reminiscent of the Middle Ages? Is this typical of fantasy fiction?

2) Discuss how different the novel would be if it was set in contemporary times. What problems would there be with suspension of belief? How could the writer get over these problems?

Essay Topic 3

Look at Ged's early years in the Gont village.

1) What were the significant events that marked him out for the person he becomes? What affected him positively and what affected him negatively? Do you think he could have achieved what he did without his early experiences?

2) Imagine what Ged would have achieved if his mother had survived. Do you think he still would have become a wizard? From what you know of Ged's character discuss what you think his life would have turned out if he knew his mother.

(see the answer keys)

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