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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. Who does Simon bring to Clary's assistance?

2. What does Simon see Luke gather?

3. Why does Hodge ask to see Clary alone?

4. Who knows about the Clave but does not want anything to do with them?

5. What was Valentine's plan in conjunction with the peace accords?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Clary find when she goes inside her apartment?

3. What do Clary and Jace tell Hodge and how does he react to the mention of Valentine?

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

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

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

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

8. How does Jace react to Madame Dorothea and how does Clary defend her?

9. What do the three young people find in Luke's apartment and what does that tell them?

10. What does Hodge tell Clary about the peace accord sixteen years ago?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Jace is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds, he usually comes out on top, in "City of Bones" 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.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "City of Bones", identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement.) Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in "City of Bones". (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot.) Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "City of Bones" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why this book is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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