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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What happens when Fergus tries to break into the broch?
(a) He goes in and has lunch.
(b) He's struck in the neck with an arrow.
(c) Lightening strikes him dead.
(d) Stones rain down upon him and kill him.

2. What are the names of Matthew Ragnarson's daughters?
(a) Rita, Mildred and Margaret.
(b) Isa, Tina and Bella.
(c) Rounda, Tilta and Frontario.
(d) Inga, Sigrid and Ragna.

3. Who does the title of chapter 3 "A Man's Life" refer to?
(a) Matthew Ragnarson.
(b) Thorfinn.
(c) Old man on the island.
(d) Child reaching manhood.

4. Who does Jacob Olafson bring back with him to Norday Island?
(a) Rena, an Indian from Canada.
(b) John, his son.
(c) Will, his father.
(d) Mara, a seal wife.

5. What are the Varingers fed on a daily basis?
(a) Moose, elk and wolf meat.
(b) Sturgeon and wild geese.
(c) Bread, cheese, olives and beer.
(d) Bear, goose and wild duck.

6. Who takes Thorfinn back from the Eastern Empire to Norday Island?
(a) Rolf Rolfson.
(b) Emperor Manuel.
(c) Viking pirates.
(d) Earl Rognvald.

7. Why does Thorfinn miss the great battle at Stirling Castle?
(a) He sleeps through it.
(b) He falls off a cliff into a river.
(c) He's hiding in a cave.
(d) He drinks too much whiskey.

8. What do the Norweigan sailors look like?
(a) Black skin and golden eyes.
(b) Blue eyes and golden hair.
(c) Small, crooked backed men.
(d) Heavy red-faced, dark haired men.

9. What song is Olafson singing right before he dies?
(a) "Another day has come and gone"
(b) "Heave away, heave"
(c) "Andrew Ross the Orkney sailor"
(d) "My Bonnie lies over the ocean"

10. What are iron rations?
(a) Flattened slices of beef.
(b) Thick red tomato soup.
(c) Oatcakes and water.
(d) Heavy chunks of meat with salt.

11. What do the visitors bring to the Prince Boris in Thorfinn's first dream?
(a) Iron ore.
(b) White horse.
(c) Kegs of brandy.
(d) Butterfly nets.

12. How is Thorfinn's pet monkey dressed?
(a) Greek costume.
(b) Uniform of Varingers.
(c) Uniform of Norsemen.
(d) Roman costume.

13. What do the men of Norday clean their pipes with?
(a) Political argument.
(b) Lobster claws.
(c) Saltwater peter.
(d) Seagull feathers.

14. What is the primary image of "The Song of the Broch?"
(a) Stone mother.
(b) Danger from afar.
(c) Eagles alighting.
(d) Storm clouds brewing.

15. What keeps Thorfinn awake during church services?
(a) Singing hymns.
(b) Counting sheep.
(c) Playing the piano.
(d) Eating sweets.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Will Olafson need help on the croft?

2. What language does Rolf Rolfson speak?

3. When are the brochs first built in the Orkney islands?

4. In Thorfinn's dream of broch building who comes up with the idea?

5. On what day of the week does Olafson die?

(see the answer keys)

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