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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 infirmity does the stranger waiting in Kira's room after the singing of the Ruin song have?

2. How does the Ruin song begin?

3. In Chapter 12, what sound has Thomas heard at night?

4. Which character takes Kira's place in the weaving shed?

5. What revelation does Matt have about the beasts in the woods?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Kira find suspicious about Jo's situation, and why?

2. How have the words of the Ruin song been distorted over time?

3. Describe Kira and Thomas' visit to Jo in Chapter 16.

4. What does the Gathering ceremony resemble?

5. What does Matt's journey through the woods reveal?

6. What does Thomas claim to have heard in Chapter 12 and how do the children react to his claim?

7. What is Jamison's role in the attack on Christopher?

8. Describe what is known about the character Jo by the end of Chapter 13.

9. What do the Ruin song and the Singer's robe reveal about the history of Kira's world?

10. Describe the village Matt encountered on his journey to find "blue".

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the role of women in the novel. Compare and contrast the roles of men and women in Kira's society. What limits are placed on women? How does being a woman affect Kira's character development?

Essay Topic 2

What role do the "beasts" play in the novel? What is the purpose of the legend of the beasts and why is the myth perpetuated? Who is the real "beast" and why?

Essay Topic 3

How does Kira's disability affect her status in society? What strength will she need to develop in order to survive in her village? What talents does Kira have and how can she use them for survival?

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