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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. In describing the fight against the Red Crests in Chapter 15, the Chieftan's grandfather says that his tribe brought the enemy to bay in the bog country north of what place?

2. The Wall in the North is described as spanning from Luguvallium to where in Chapter 11?

3. How are the Legionaries in Marcus's dream described in Chapter 12?

4. Who is said to have discovered Marcus's ring-brooch by the loch in Chapter 19?

5. How long ago does Guern say it was when the men of the Legion carried out the Procurator's order to dispossess the Queen of the Iceni?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Marcus and Esca gain entrance to the gate of Borcovicus?

2. How is the character of Dergdian described?

3. Why does the song sung by Guern catch Marcus's attention?

4. Who is Boudicca and why does Guern mention her in Chapter 13?

5. How does Tradui describe the eradication of the Ninth Legion in Chapter 15?

6. How do Marcus and Esca manage to steal the Eagle?

7. What is the significance of the bronze ring-brooch in the novel?

8. What exchanges does Esca make in Cluta in Chapter 17? Why?

9. Why does Marcus create an altar in Chapter 11?

10. How do Marcus and Esca evade their pursuers in Chapter 17?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the symbolism of the Eagle in The Eagle of the Ninth. What is the Eagle an official representation of? What does the Eagle symbolize for Marcus? What does it represent to the other characters in the story?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Describe and discuss the strategy that Marcus and Esca use in securing and escaping with the Eagle from the North. From whom do they take the Eagle? How do they manage to deflect suspicion? What ultimately leads to their being hunted down?

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