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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 is the living repository of all knowledge?

2. What is Harry's response to Shiro's question?

3. What happens when Harry is sure of Susan's identity?

4. What does Charity confess to Harry about Harry?

5. Where is Harry's laboratory?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the spirit of Bob the Skull tell Harry?

2. Who is Susan and what does Mortimer say about her?

3. What are Harry's options for weapons in the duel and what does he at first choose?

4. Describe the fight with the female Denarian on the Erlanger.

5. How does Harry arm himself and why does it then seem unnecessary?

6. What does Susan tell Harry on the phone about a charity event?

7. What does Karrin Murphy relay to Harry when he arrives back home?

8. Who helps Harry overcome several demons after he leaves the morgue?

9. What is a suppression spell and why does Harry have to cast it?

10. Who are the other two guests on the talk show?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think Death Masks is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in Death Masks. 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 Butcher 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 Butcher chooses the metaphors she does?

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

Harry Dresden is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds, he usually comes out on top, in Death Masks 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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