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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. With what does Harry arm himself?

2. What does Harry grab as the boat starts to sink?

3. What does Susan tell Henry is happening that evening?

4. With whom does Harry consult in his laboratory?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Where and with whom does Harry appear in Chapter 1?

3. How does Father Vincent respond when Harry updates Vincent about Harry's attempts to recover the Shroud, and how does Harry react?

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

5. What does Harry learn about the corpse while at the morgue?

6. Why does Harry lead Susan into his apartment but not invite her in?

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

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

9. Who does Harry encounter on the Erlanger and what do they order him to do?

10. What does Father Vincent want of Harry?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in Death Masks. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of courage in Death Masks. Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of knowing yourself in Death Masks. Consider the apparent lack of self knowledge of Harry as opposed to Shiro who seems to know himself well.

Essay Topic 2

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 Death Masks and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Death Masks 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?

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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