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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 does Derfel pack with him on his journey?

2. How does Derfel describe the day that the attack on the Saxons was begun?

3. How many Saxon warriors are in the hall when Derfel gets there?

4. What has Arthur broken up when the battle is won?

5. Why do Arthur and his men all put crosses on their shields?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the one thing Arthur does NOT do while he is fighting with Derfel against the Saxons?

2. What is Arthur's initial plan of attack against the Saxons?

3. Why do Derfel and the other Warlords accept the invitation to the spring feast?

4. What does Merlin do after Arthur puts an end to the ritual on Mai Dun?

5. What disappoints Derfel when he arrives at the Aelle's hall?

6. What is done to keep at bay the first wave of attack from the Saxons on Derfel's trapped men?

7. What is the climax of the battle against the Saxon armies?

8. What happens as Derfel and his men prepare to die in battle against the Saxon armies?

9. What does Arthur ask Derfel to do during the winter following the sacrificial ritual?

10. What does Derfel realize when he hears Druids sacrifice the sons of kings?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Gawain die, and what does this signify about the culture of this book?

Essay Topic 2

How does Derfel lose his hand, and how does this affect the course of the plot?

Essay Topic 3

Despair is a theme that was placed in a number of sensitive places in this plot. What are some of these places, and what role does despair play in this book?

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This section contains 726 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample