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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. With whom does Vetch live?

2. What do Ged and Vetch head into after Atowell?

3. About whom does Ged constantly ask?

4. What does Vetch insist on doing?

5. Why won't Ged's spells work?

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

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

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

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

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

7. Why does Pechvarry act so negatively towards Ged?

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

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

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 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

Using examples from the book discuss how Ged's personal journey makes a complete circle? Does he re-live similar situations? How does he react differently to them the second time round?

Essay Topic 3

What do you think the Shadow means within the context of the story? Why does Ged have to defeat it to move on with his life? What does the Shadow represent?

(see the answer keys)

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