View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Chapter Five, why does Madelyne kick Duncan?

2. In Chapter One, how is the captive intended to die?

3. The story starts out in what year?

4. Madelyne hears from Adela, and then from Duncan, what fact that she dismisses as incorrect?

5. Why does Madelyne want to throw herself out of a window?

Short Essay Questions

1. What concerns does Adela have about being with child due to the rape?

2. How is the squire with the bright yellow hair described?

3. What is Duncan's reaction to Madelyne's actions to rescue and warm him?

4. When Duncan and his men stop for the night for the first time after leaving the castle, what actions do they take to set up camp?

5. Which other men does Duncan notice are attracted to Madelyne?

6. Why does Madelyne refuse to let Simon save her?

7. How does it happen that Adela takes her first bath in months?

8. Why does Madelyne do in Chapter 12 that causes Duncan's temper to flare enough to bellow?

9. Who or what are some of the people or beings who appear in Madelyne's dreams while she is sick with fever?

10. Why does Duncan decide to allow the battle to take place before they reach his castle?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

By the end of the novel, we know that Duncan is a man of his word and that Louddon is not. Trace the reader's growing understanding of Duncan's trustworthiness and Louddon's lack thereof. Compare and contrast the two men's track record in the area of trust. Provide at least three examples from the book for each character that support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

During the novel, we find out that Madelyne experiences a difficult childhood and her life does not improve as long as she is under the thumb of Louddon. Yet throughout the novel, Madelyne's typical response to a difficulty is to show mercy, sometimes to a complete stranger. How and to whom does Madelyne show mercy? In particular, why does she show mercy to Duncan? How does Madelyne's merciful behavior affect Duncan and his brothers? Compare and contrast the the experience that Madelyne has with receiving mercy and giving mercy.

Essay Topic 3

What does the author tell us about Morcar? What is his effect on the other characters in the novel, especially Adela, Madelyne, Duncan and Gerald? What does Duncan learn from Gerald's fight with Morcar on the battlefield? Why is Morcar in the novel? What part does he play in the romantic relationships in the novel, and in particular, the relationship between Madelyne and Duncan? What, if anything, does the author tell the reader about the consequences of evil deeds? Pick three ways that the author uses the character of Morcar to advance some aspect of the story. Provide examples from the novel to support your argument.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,111 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample