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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. Why does Fergus take the time to tell the Irishmen about Cuchulain's youthful exploits?

2. How does Medb break an agreement by sending six Druids to fight Cuchulain?

3. Why does the narrator say it would be boring to tell about every battle?

4. Why is Cuchulain sad about fighting Ferbaeth?

5. What is Medb's reaction to Etarcumul's death?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Fedelm and what does she tell Medb?

2. How do we know that Ferdiad and Cuchulain were equally matched warriors?

3. Cuchulain accidentally kills Ferbaeth. What was his relationship with Ferbaeth?

4. Why do the Irish scorn the Ulstermen in "The Misthrow at Belach Eoin"?

5. How does Cuchulain heal Morrigan?

6. How does Cuchulain show the Irish that he is a real threat to them?

7. Why does Fergus decide to talk to Medb? What does he tell Medb about what Cuchulain wants to do?

8. Describe Cuchulain's actions in "Now of the Battle".

9. Why does Cuchulain feel so guilty about the slaughter of the Youths of Ulster?

10. What happens at the impassable river the Irish army come upon?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain in your own words the resolution of the story The Cattle Raid of Cooley. (2) What was the outcome for the following characters, describing it in two or three sentences:

a. Medb

b. Cuchulain

c. Dann

d. Fergus

Essay Topic 2

(a) Explain what is meant by "mood" in a literary work.

(b) Give three examples of how mood might be portrayed to the reader.

(c) In Chapters 28 and 29 (The Slaying of Ferbaeth and The Combat of Larini MacNois) show how the mood of the novel changes due to the portrayal of Cuchulain and his actions and feelings.

Essay Topic 3

Heroism is a very common theme in stories of myth and legend. (a) in your own words, explain why you think this is so and the purpose it serves; (b) Give three examples of how Cuchulain is presented as a hero, for example, what characteristics and skills does the author describe; and (c) The story of Cuchulain's childhood is chronicled early in the book. Give at least two reasons why it is structured this way.

(see the answer keys)

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