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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 is referred to in Chapter 4 as "A most efficient officer ... with the air of a grey-headed Legate" (52)?

2. From what tribe does Esca hail?

3. What kind of ancestry is suggested by Placidus's appearance in Chapter 9?

4. What Roman wine does Uncle Aquila share with his guests in Chapter 10?

5. Who does Cottia insist Marcus send to tell her after his surgery is over in Chapter 8?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when the chariots attack in Chapter 3?

2. What does the rose in the wine jar symbolize?

3. When and where is The Eagle of the Ninth set?

4. How is Marcus's surgery described in Chapter 8?

5. Who is visiting Uncle Aquila in Chapter 9? Why?

6. Who is brought in to examine Marcus's leg in Chapter 8? Why?

7. Where has Marcus been assigned in Chapter 2? How many men does he command?

8. What bet with Cradoc does Marcus propose in Chapter 2?

9. What two stories inspired the author to write The Eagle of the Ninth, according to her Prologue?

10. What does Marcus consider doing in his future in Chapter 9?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe and discuss the Chieftan Dergdian and his village. Where is the village located? What are the people of this village called? How does Marcus help the Chieftan and his people?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the Satunalia Games and entertainment of the Roman Empire. What entertainments were presented during the Games? What are Marcus's thoughts on the Games when he attends with his uncle?

Essay Topic 3

Describe and analyze the narrative style of The Eagle of the Ninth. From whose perspective is the story related? Is the narrative presented in the present, future, or past tense? How do each of these choices by the author contribute to the work itself?

(see the answer keys)

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