View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Chapter 1, what does Serapio know his mother used to make the die she rubs across his teeth?

2. In Chapter 7, how long has Serapio waited to be on a ship to Tova?

3. What color do the citizens of Titidi wear in Chapter 5?

4. Why had Naranpa tried to earn the regard of Tova?

5. In Chapter 3, how many children under 12 are to be sent once a year to serve under the Sun Priest in the City of Tova?

Short Essay Questions

1. What relationship has Naranpa had with Iktan?

2. What agreement do the great peoples make in the Treaty of Hokaia?

3. Who dies, and what actions does Naranpa propose in Chapter 10?

4. How does Abah confront Naranpa in Chapter 9, and how does Naranpa feel about the attack?

5. In Chapter 6, what is the ship like that Balam has for Xiala?

6. What happens when a storm comes in Chapter 20?

7. What wakes Xiala and where does she find herself in Chapter 2?

8. What doe Eedi carry, and what will she teach Serapio with it?

9. What trunk did Paadeh have Serapio build?

10. Why was Xiala afraid at first when she had first seen Serapio on the shore?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

For a while after Serapio’s mother dies, his only companions are crows. Why are crows important to Serapio and what role do they play in his life?

Essay Topic 2

Naranpa and Denaochi have not seen one another for over 20 years when they reunite. Why is their relationship strained, and does it seem possible that they can rebuild their relationship?

Essay Topic 3

Idioms are words that have a figurative, rather than a literal meaning. How are idioms used in Black Sun to help characters communicate? How do idioms help create word pictures and mental images for readers in a concise manner? How do idioms help readers understand characters, emotions, and ideas?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 864 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample