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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. Why do the women cover Hurot with water?

2. What does Ibn ask Herger as they near Hurot?

3. Why do the men not take a break between battles?

4. Why doesn't Ibn leave Hurot?

5. Where is Ibn wounded during the battle?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is one of the new defenses around Hurot and what do the women do with water and why do they do it?

2. How is Ibn finally able to leave Rothgar's Hall?

3. What do Herger and Ibn think of each others' religion?

4. What does Buliwyf do the night the wendol attack after they kill the mother and how does he look?

5. Why does Buliwyf sit with Ibn and how does Buliwyf talk?

6. What does Buliwyf do as they are heading back to Rothgar's Hall and why? What does Ibn think about Herger's information?

7. What does the dwarf soothsayer tell Buliwyf?

8. What does Buliwyf tell Ibn and ask him to do?

9. How are wounded warriors treated for their wounds?

10. What is the only time Ibn can observe the Northmen showing any emotions about the first battle with the wendol?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in "Eaters of the Dead".

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of "Eaters of the Dead". How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of "Eaters of the Dead". How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "Eaters of the Dead", identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in "Eaters of the Dead". (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 3

Ibn Fadlan's writing style may be strange to readers. Ibn Fadlan does a wonderful job of baiting the reader's attention. He tells of coming to a forest and seeing mountains with hot springs gushing from them. These areas sound enchanting to the reader but he is left to devise a mental picture on his own. Ibn Fadlan does not offer flowing descriptions of the land he passes through or even comment on how he feels about the journey.

1. Did Ibn's writing style entice you to read farther or did you feel it was not interesting? Why or why not?

Use examples from "Eaters of the Dead" and your own life to support your answer.

2. Would you rather read a book about a place you have never seen with a lot of description or just a minimal so that you can visualize your own picture? Explain why you would prefer one or the other. Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

3. Do you think the book would have been more interesting if more of Ibn's feelings had been shown? Why or why not? Use examples from "Eaters of the Dead" and your own life to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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