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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. When Esk back talks, what does her father do that causes a series of odd happenings and frayed nerves?

2. What arcs from Esk's fingertips, flares in the hearth, melts the ironware, and burrows into the hearthstone?

3. When you enter a creature's mind, what is difficult upon exiting?

4. Since the blacksmith's sons do not see any footprints outside the witch's house, what are they convinced that the witch can do?

5. What does Granny seem afraid of?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does Esk go at night in Ohulan Cutash and what does she ask to drink?

2. What does Esk have to do in return for being allowed to travel with the Zoon family?

3. What happens when Esk escapes from the Skillers?

4. Esk's use of the staff demonstrates something to Granny. What is that?

5. What happens when Esk stays behind as her two brothers go in search of help for Granny?

6. What does Granny decide to do after she realizes that Esk is different from other witches and wizards she knows?

7. What is "headology?"

8. Why does Granny enter the bee "hivemind?"

9. When Esk back talks to her father as a little girl, what happens?

10. How does Esk help the head of the Zoon family in Zemphis and what does she get in return?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Consider the use of the title ""Equal Rites"." What does this signify? Is it appropriate? What does this pun imply? In the story, what descriptions and connections are made on the words "equal" and "rites" and how does it relate to the principal character of Esk? How does your understanding of the title change when it becomes apparent that "Equal Rites" is a pun on the phrase "Equal Rights?" Explain.

Essay Topic 2

The staff or broom appears throughout the book as a magical device with a life of its own. Describe the staff and its journey throughout the story.

Essay Topic 3

Create a brief portrait study of Cutangle. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What motivates him through his life? How does he change from the beginning of the book to the middle to the end?

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This section contains 650 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample