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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. What do the Northmen do with great happiness following the first battle?

2. What does Herger tell Berger about when the wendol sleep?

3. Where is Ibn wounded during the battle?

4. What do the wendols look like when not dressed for war?

5. What does Ibn see as they enter the land of the wendol?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Where does Ibn awake after the battle and what does he see as he walks across the compound?

5. What do the Northmen do around mid-morning the day after the second battle?

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 do the Northmen do the night they visited the dwarfs, and why does Ibn decide to join with them?

8. What does Herger tell Ibn about the wendol's mother?

9. What does the dwarf soothsayer tell Buliwyf?

10. How are wounded warriors treated for their wounds?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which 3 secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

The reading of the bones is not described in much detail, but some readers may recognize this act as a common ritual among certain cultures. An old woman or man is revered as a type of prophet able to read the future. This person is used to determine the wisdom of acting in a certain way whenever a difficult situation presents itself. Buliwyf does not argue with the crone's words but rather accepts them and his own fate.

1. What do you think is the difference between superstition and belief? Use examples from "Eaters of the Dead" and your research to support your answer.

2. Why do you think Buliwyf accepts his fate in such a stoic manner? Use examples from "Eaters of the Dead" and your research to support your answer.

3. How do you think a crone who is considered a prophet or seer might be able to influence the men in a community? Use examples from the novel and your own research to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "Eaters of the Dead". Questions that Crichton most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Crichton's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Crichton's probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Crichton and if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

(see the answer keys)

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