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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. Why does Katsa jump into the water in front of Bitterblue?

2. How do Katsa and Bitterblue disembark?

3. Who sends Po and the others supplies?

4. Where are Katsa and Bitterblue hiding in Sunder?

5. From what are Bitterblue and Katsa safe in Sunder?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Bitterblue say happened with her and her mother?

2. What happens when Katsa and Bitterblue first arrive at Po's castle?

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

4. 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?

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

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

7. Who returns to Monsea with Katsa and Bitterblue and why?

8. Why do Po and Katsa separate and when do they plan to see each other again?

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

10. How do Po and Katsa find Bitterblue?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "Graceling" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "Graceling" is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

"Graceling" falls in the genre called fantasy. Discuss the following:

1. What is the definition of genre? Fantasy genre? How do you know "Graceling" falls in the genre of fantasy? Give examples.

2. Other than entertainment, why do you think people might read fantasy?

3. Fantasy is sometimes considered second-rate fiction--i.e., that it is not good enough to be studied in academe. Why do you think this is true? Do you think it is a valid argument?

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