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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. Tony Makarios, one of the children who has disappeared, had to

2. Coram's daemon is a

3. Mrs. Coulter is a member of

4. Who observes Tony Makarios while he eats his pie on the steps of an oratory?

5. What is inside the package wrapped in black velvet that the Master gives Lyra?

Short Essay Questions

1. After the Scholars enter the Retiring Room, what does Lyra overhear while she remains hidden in the wardrobe?

2. Describe Lyra's encounter with a giant gray goose while she is on the deck of the ship looking at the Aurora.

3. Describe what can be seen in the darker reproductions of the slides Lord Asriel shows the Scholars in the Retiring Room.

4. Describe some of the conversation that takes place at Mrs. Coulter's cocktail party.

5. How does Lyra feel after learning that Mrs. Coulter is her mother?

6. While Lyra and Roger explore underground passages at Jordan College, they enter a crypt. What do they find there?

7. Why does the Master want to see Lyra before she leaves the college with Mrs. Coulter?

8. Describe the games Lyra plays with her friend Roger.

9. What do John Faa and Farder Coram explain to Lyra about her parents?

10. Summarize the story Farder Coram tells about his encounter 40 years ago with a Lapland witch.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Much to her surprise, Lyra learns that people have heard of her wherever she goes.

1. Summarize instances where people have heard of Lyra. What do they know about her? How do they react when they meet her face to face?

2. Explain how Lyra is the "chosen one" in Pullman's story. How does her destiny guide her path and shape the course of her life?

Essay Topic 2

Even though Lord Asriel is Lyra's father, Iorek serves as her father figure.

1. Compare and contrast Lord Asriel and Iorek.

2. Which one is more of a father to Lyra? Why?

Essay Topic 3

In The Golden Compass, many gray areas exist. Lyra is often confused trying to figure out who is "good" and who is "bad." Analyze three significant characters of your choice, explaining in what ways they are good, bad, and in the nebulous gray zones. Cite specific examples to support your analysis.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 998 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample