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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 do Ged and Vetch head into after Atowell?

2. What does Serrett say will happen if Ged asks the stone a question?

3. to where does Ged sail?

4. Where does Vetch find Ged after he has fought the shadow?

5. Where does the old man say Ged can find out more about the Shadow?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Pechvarry act so negatively towards Ged?

2. Why is it significant Ged goes back to see his original teacher?

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

4. How does Ged's reaction to the town's celebration show a change in his character?

5. What is significant about the reintroduction of Vetch?

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

7. Why do you think chasing the shadow takes away some of its power?

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

9. Why do you think Ged is initially reluctant to allow his friend to come with him?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

The book follows Ged through some of the important years of his life and divides it into three periods.

1) From 7-13 at the the Gont village.

2) From 13-16 training to be a wizard, first with Ogion and then at the wizard school in Roke.

3) From 16 he tries to find himself in the world.

Take one of the periods and discuss what he learns and the problems he faces.

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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