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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 does Buliwyf talk slowly to Ibn?

2. What do the warriors take with them when they leave to find the glowworm?

3. What does Buliwyf do when he comes to Ibn?

4. What does Buliwyf do as the warriors near Hurot?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Ibn feel when he looks at the cliffs, what does he tell Herger and what does Herger tell him?

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. How are wounded warriors treated for their wounds?

9. What does Ibn see as the wendol approach at night and what does he think it is?

10. What does the dwarf soothsayer tell Buliwyf?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Oftentimes, a book has more of a character-driven plot rather than action driven, and oftentimes the other way. Some books seem to balance the two. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think it means to say that a plot is character driven? Action driven?

2. How do you think a plot differs if it is character driven versus action driven?

3. Which type of plot do you find more interesting? Why?

4. Do you think it is possible to have a plot where action and character development share equal time? Why or why not.

5. What type of plot do you think Eaters of the Dead is? Explain your response.

Essay Topic 3

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "Eaters of the Dead" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why the book is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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