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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 is a drawback with how Harry stops the fire?

2. What does Harry think evil cannot kill?

3. What does Raith do when he arrives?

4. Who helps the person fight?

5. What does Ebenezar agree to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Harry offer Raith and how does Raith counter?

2. What does Harry see when he looks at Kincaid, what does he tell Murphy to reassure her and what do they hear from the dark?

3. What does Trixie do with the gun she is carrying?

4. What does Bob tell Harry about the vampires when Harry gets home?

5. What does a specialist tell Harry about Harry's hand and what is Harry's response?

6. What does Bob tell Harry about the people in the shelter?

7. What does Ebenezar tell Harry about his role in Harry's life?

8. What did Harry's mother do to Raith and what is Raith's response?

9. How does Harry stop the fire assault from two human servants?

10. How can Lara find Thomas and what shocks Harry about that?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in Blood Rites. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Butcher chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Butcher chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Butcher's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, clifthangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Butcher use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which 3 secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Harry Dresden is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds, he usually comes out on top, in Blood Rites and in the others in the series. Discuss the following:

1. Does having a larger-than-life hero make that person less of a hero? In other words, which is more admirable--a hero who ultimately always "lands on his feet," or one who strives against impossible odds and doesn't succeed?

2. Does a character have to be successful in order to be a hero? Explain your answer.

3. Choose one other character besides Harry who you might call a hero/heroine and explain why you choose that person.

4. Does every work of fiction have to have a hero? Explain your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,201 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample