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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 the Tribune that Esca describes getting into a quarrel with at the wolf-hunt in Chapter 6?

2. What shapes on the shield-boss does Esca say expresses the nature of his people in Chapter 7?

3. What city now sits at the location of the historic Eburacum?

4. What type of design is described on Marcus's dagger sheath in Chapter 7?

5. Where does Uncle Aquila say the only woman he ever cared for is buried in Chapter 5?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Marcus grant Esca his freedom in Chapter 10?

2. Why does Marcus worry he may be making a laughing stock out of himself in Chapter 3?

3. How is Uncle Aquila described?

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

5. How does Cottia feel about Roman culture and about her aunt?

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

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

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

9. Why does Marcus release Cub in the wild?

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

Analyze and discuss the character of Uncle Aquila in the novel. How old is Uncle Aquila? Why had Marcus never met his uncle until now? Where does Uncle Aquila live? How would you describe his demeanor? How does he contribute to the plot?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Describe and discuss the different tribes that are presented in The Eagle of the Ninth. Where is Esca's tribe based? Who are Cottia's people? What are the relationships between the tribes and the Roman military?

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