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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. Where do Simon and Clary go for dinner?

2. What has Dorothea known about Clary's mother?

3. What is Clary supposed to tell Luke?

4. What is Dorothea's purpose?

5. What does Clary notice about the blue-haired boy?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Who are the Forsaken?

3. What do Jace and Clary want to do upon arriving at Luke's place and who else do they find there?

4. What discussion do Dorothea and Jace have about witches?

5. Why does Clary run home frantically?

6. What happens when Simon gets to the room with the bouncer?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Cassandra Clare.

2. What in Clare's background may have helped her in writing "City of Bones"? What may have influenced the way she depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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