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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 worries Katsa about the size of the council?

2. How does the Graced fighter stare at Katsa?

3. What does Katsa do after Po talks to her about Randa?

4. What does Po wonder about Katsa and Raffin?

5. What does Katsa wonder about King Leck?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does Katsa go after she leaves the hideout, who does she meet and what does she say to them? Why does she chastise herself?

2. What does Po learn about King Leck from the merchants?

3. How did Katsa get Helda as a servant woman?

4. What happens with Katsa and Po at the archery range?

5. What is Katsa doing at the beginning of the book, and what does she do with the people who would stop her?

6. What does Po want to do after he sees his grandfather, and what does he propose to Katsa?

7. How is Katsa feeling the second evening on their way to Monsea, what does Po suggest, what do they end up doing about Katsa's feelings?

8. What does Katsa hear of the fighter she encountered when leaving the dungeon?

9. What happens with the guards of the borderlord, and what does he say when he is confronted by Katsa?

10. How does Katsa find out who the fighter was she confronted in the dungeon, and how does her second confrontation go with him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Po and Leck. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Katsa and Po. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in "Graceling" help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 2

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think "Graceling" is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "Graceling". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Cashore chooses the symbols she does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Cashore chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Cashore's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc.), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Cashore use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme.)

(see the answer keys)

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