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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 won't Ged's spells work?

2. What has Ged developed?

3. In what country are the couple heir to a throne?

4. Where does Ged see the shadow resting when he enters the inlet?

5. Who do the ancient birds kill?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Pechvarry act so negatively towards Ged?

2. Why do you think the Shadow runs away after Ged tries to grab it?

3. What does it show that Ged respects the couple's decision to stay on the island?

4. What does Vetch's comment that he was there in beginning so he should be there in the end, mean in context of the story?

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

6. Why does LeGuin change the point of view from Ged to Ogion?

7. Why does Ged seek security at Roke and not in his hometown in Gont?

8. What do you think Otak's death symbolizes?

9. Is Ged romantically interested in Yarrow?

10. What do the sightings of a man looking like Ged say about the Shadow?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The book is generally told from the point of view of the main character Ged, but on two separate occasions, Le Guin switches point of view. The first time it switches to Ogion when Ged is a hawk and the second time it switches to Vetch when Ged is busy fighting the Shadow. Taking one of these examples, answer the following questions.

1) How does the meaning of the story change when Le Guin switches point of view?

2) Why does Le Guin use this character's point of view and not any of the other characters?

3) Imagine you are the shadow. What do you think his point of view would be? Is he completely evil? Is he as scared as Ged?

Essay Topic 2

Ged builds some lasting friendships, but he also makes enemies. One of these enemies is Jasper. Discuss the importance of Jasper as a character. What purpose does he serve in the story? How is he important to Ged's development? Why do you think Le Guin does not bring him him back to the story.

Essay Topic 3

What do you think would have happened to Ged if the shadow had defeated him? Does Le Guin hint at what this alternative life would be like?

(see the answer keys)

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