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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. Who will help Thomas achieve his goal?

2. Which of the following characters get married?

3. Although Peter has already planned his escape, what does Dennis ask him to do?

4. Which of the following characters is standing unnoticed in the room?

5. Who does Peter find in his father's rooms?

Short Essay Questions

1. Which of the many themes in this story is revealed by Thomas' actions?

2. What does Flagg learn about Peter, and how does he learn it?

3. How is suspense built into the story as Peter's friends reach the castle and Peter begins his escape?

4. How do Ben and Naomi begin to figure out how Dennis got into the castle?

5. What is Flagg's reaction when Peter accuses him of murder?

6. What happens to the five friends at the end of the story? Is this a surprise ending?

7. What happens during the encounter between Peter, Thomas, and Flagg in the king's sitting room?

8. What is ironic about the encounter between Flagg and Thomas?

9. Why does Thomas find it necessary to drink himself to sleep, and why is this potentially dangerous?

10. Dennis sends Peter a note and asks for a response. Since Peter has no paper and nothing to write with, how does he respond to Dennis' request?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Foreshadowing is a favorite technique used by King. Describe foreshadowing, tell how it is used in the story, and pick at least three instances in which the reader is given clues to the future. Be specific about what the author indicates will happen and how it affects the forward motion of the story.

Essay Topic 2

Thomas does not get the recognition from his father that he desires. Tell how this and other events lead to Thomas' feelings of isolation, shame, and guilt. How does Thomas redeem himself at the end of the story?

Essay Topic 3

It took Peter at least five years to fashion the rope he used to escape. What does his patience and determination tell you about Peter? Do you think he could have considered other means of escape? If so, what? Support your answers with examples from the story.

(see the answer keys)

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