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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 Hodge ask to see Clary alone?

2. What does Clary do in the storeroom?

3. What does Dorothea discover when she reads Clary's tea leaves?

4. What do Blackwell and Panghorn ask?

5. What is Dorothea's purpose?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the bouncer ask the blue-haired boy and what does the bouncer decide?

2. Where do Clary and Simon go and who do they see in line in front of them?

3. Who do both Clary and the blue-haired boy notice and where does the person go?

4. Where and when does Clary waken and who is with her?

5. What does Clary's mom want her to do and how does she respond?

6. Why is Simon at Luke's house and what has he seen?

7. What does Clary after looking around the room for a minute?

8. How does Clary get out of the apartment and who are the police who arrive?

9. What happens when Clary gets home from the club and how does she respond?

10. What do Clary's neighbor say about noises?

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 "City of Bones". 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 Clare 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 Clare chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Clare's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc.), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Clare 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

"City of Bones" is one book in a series of novels involving Clary, Jace, Simon and their families and friends. Discuss the following.

1. What are some advantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

2. What are some disadvantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

3. Do you prefer to read a standalone book, or a series of books with the same main characters? Explain your response.

4. Do you think it is easier, more difficult, or about the same to write a standalone book versus one in a series? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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