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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 doesn't Ibn leave Hurot?

2. What do the warriors drink in great quantities at the feast the night of the visit to the dwarfs?

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

4. What are the caves where the warriors are going called?

5. How does Ibn feel about what Herger told him about Buliwyf's plan?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the riders see when they look down on an encampment?

2. How does Wiglif end up dead?

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

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

5. What does the dwarf soothsayer tell Buliwyf?

6. How does Herger take care of a man who wants to kill Buliwyf?

7. What is the landscape like in the Desert of Dread?

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

9. How are wounded warriors treated for their wounds?

10. What do the dwarfs give the warriors and what do they say to Buliwyf's question about a successful attack?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "Eaters of the Dead". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Crichton chooses the symbols she does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Crichton chooses the metaphors he does?

3. Discuss Crichton's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Crichton use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 2

Characters are an important part of what makes "Eaters of the Dead" interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Ibn. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Buliwyf. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Herger. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Michael Crichton.

2. What in Crichton's background may have helped Crichton in writing "Eaters of the Dead"? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

(see the answer keys)

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