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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 Marcus's successor that is sent in from Isca in Chapter 4?

2. What Centurion does the narrator say is overfond of using his vine-staff on his men's backs in Chapter 2?

3. Galarius claims in Chapter 8 that an oculist's craft is one for a follower of whom?

4. What kind of war does Centurion Quintus Hilarion say is "ever the most deadly kind, for it recks nothing of consequences" (15) in Chapter 1?

5. What is the name of the Legate of the Sixth Legion that visits Uncle Aquila in Chapter 9?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What are the Saturnalia Games and what entertainments are provided at the Games that Marcus attends?

3. From what narrative point of view is the novel related?

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

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

6. How is Cottia described when her character is first introduced?

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

8. How are the slaves described in Uncle Aquila's home?

9. What information does Marcus learn of the conclusion of the battle in Chapter 4?

10. What rumor regarding the Eagle does the Legate describe in Chapter 10?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the historical context of The Eagle of the Ninth. When does the story take place? Where is it set? What were the social, political, and international atmospheres at this time? How does the author incorporate that history into her novel?

Essay Topic 2

Describe and discuss Guern the Hunter in The Eagle of the Ninth. Where do Marcus and Esca meet Guern? What is Guern doing when they meet him? What indications show that Guern has a history with the Roman military?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss and analyze the character of Marcus Flavius Aquila in The Eagle of the Ninth. How old is Marcus when the novel begins? How old is he when the story ends? How would you describe Marcus's character arc in the novel?

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