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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. With whom does Katsa discuss Po?

2. Why does Po leave that with Katsa?

3. What does Katsa kill after being attacked?

4. Which way do Katsa and Bitterblue end up going?

5. What does Katsa prepare to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Katsa and Bitterblue do on the ship, why does Katsa have control of Po's castle, and what does Po's castle look like? How do Katsa and Bitterblue get to the castle?

2. What do the other people in the room do when Katsa kills Leck and what is Bitterblue's response?

3. What does Po tell Katsa about his attempt on Leck?

4. Where does Katsa get aid when she gets out of the mountains, and what kind of aid does she receive?

5. Why does Katsa begin to teach Bitterblue how to fight and what does she teach her? How does the ship crew help?

6. What happens when Katsa and Bitterblue is taken to the captain's cabin?

7. What is the route Katsa and Bitterblue take out of Monsea, why do they let the horse go and what does Katsa do with the saddle?

8. What is the weather like in the mountains where Katsa and Po are climbing, where do they sleep and what does Po remember about his time in the mountains with his family?

9. What does Po need to do now that Bitterblue has told them what happened, what does he leave Katsa and why?

10. How does Po begin to recover some of his self-confidence and where do he and Katsa go in the spring?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.)

Essay Topic 2

Katsa is surprised to find the Graced Lienid fighter at the court of King Randa. His name is Prince Greening, and Katsa feels his challenge of her. Katsa feels a flash of excitement in looking at the arrogant Prince and has a hard time in dealing with this. With her role in politics, and power, Katsa is used to suppressing her personal feelings.

1. Do you think Prince Greening's challenge of Katsa is chauvinistic? Why or why not? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

2. Do you think what Katsa sees as a challenge by Prince Greening might actually be a display of his attraction to her? Why or why not? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

3. Why do you think someone in Katsa's position has to suppress her personal feelings? Use examples from the text and your own life to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Whenever reading a science fiction or fantasy novel, one must become familiar with new terminology that explains concepts or ideas that are not a part of the "real" world. In the case of "Graceling", much of the setting may seem familiar to the reader (i.e. it is in the "real" world), though there are new ideas and terms to learn. Discuss the following:

1. Find five terms that are a part of the world of "Graceling" that occur in the "real" world but are used differently in "Graceling".

2. Define the words as used in "Graceling's" world and compare those five words as to how they are currently used in the American English language.

3. There are ways of learning about a new world or time when reading a science fiction or fantasy novel. Discuss the ways you were able to understand the world of "Graceling". Did you have to look up any words? What does it mean to learn a word through its context? Do you have to do that in this book? Which word(s)?

4. Were there any words you never really understood from "Graceling"? Which ones?

(see the answer keys)

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