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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 does a young boy tell Jace and Clary?

2. Why does Valentine want the Mortal Cup?

3. What does Hodge explain?

4. What does Dorothea suddenly say?

5. What does Hodge do to Jace?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Clary and Jace return to the Institute?

2. How does Clary demonstrate her discovery and what does she deduce about the Mortal Cup from her discovery?

3. Who do Jace and Clary encounter near the dumpsters at the Hotel Dumont and what does he tell them?

4. What does Magnus Bane explain about the mental block in Clary's mind?

5. Why does Clary think Jocelyn put the Mortal Cup in the tarot deck?

6. Why are Hodge and the Lightwoods punished and what are their punishments?

7. What does Dorothea do as Clary is holding the Mortal Cup and how does Clary respond?

8. What does Hodge say about Valentine's personality and plan?

9. What does Hodge explain about the Circle?

10. Describe the fight with Abbadon.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"City of Bones" belongs to the fantasy genre. Discuss the following:

1. Define the literary term "genre" and give several examples of three other genres in addition to the fantasy genre.

2. Discuss two reasons why it might be useful to label a text by genre and two reasons it might be disadvantageous to label a text by genre.

3. What do you think is the difference between a fantasy and a historical novel?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "City of Bones" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "City of Bones"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in the book to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

(see the answer keys)

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