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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 legitimate breach does Duncan commit against the king?

2. What is Gerald's biggest concern when he returns to Wexton land in the summer?

3. What personal item must Madelyne retrieve from under the table after dinner?

4. A scroll containing a message from the king arrives while Duncan is away. What is the preferred language for official communications like this one?

5. According to Chapter 22, what is the first thing that Duncan says to Madelyne when she sees him at the cottage?

Short Essay Questions

1. What changes does Madelyne make to the hall without permission from Duncan after she and Duncan are wed?

2. Madelyne prepares for Gerald's visit by performing what preparations to her appearance and dress?

3. Why does Madelyne practice archery so hard and long?

4. Edmond makes a complete change in his attitude toward Madeline, welcoming her to the Wexton family. Why?

5. Why does Duncan insist that Gerald kiss Adela?

6. What suggestion does Gilard make that he thinks solves Madelyne's problem and why is it a self-serving solution?

7. In Chapter 22, Duncan gives Madelyn a recitation of many things that Madelyne does since he proves she is courageous. What are three of the four reasons that Duncan provides to Madelyne to prove to her that she is courageous?

8. Why is Adela worried about Gerald's visit?

9. In Chapter 22, why does Madelyne want to delay her marriage to Duncan?

10. Describe the aspects of family life that Duncan realizes is different than he is taught by his father.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the end of the novel Madelyne is pregnant, although she doesn't immediately realize it and Duncan finally breaks the news to her. Pregnancy may be symbolic for a fulfillment of the future, new experiences, self awareness, personal growth and the cycle of life. How does the novel describe Madelyne's pregnancy? Why does everyone know that Madelyne is pregnant except for Madelyne? Is there more than one reason for this, an obvious reason and a less obvious one? What does this mean about Madelyne's self-awareness? Is Madelyne a changed woman from the beginning of the novel? Is there more room for growth? Is the pregnancy seen as a reward for Madelyne and Duncan, or something else? Pick three ways in which the pregnancy is symbolic of some aspect of the change in Madelyne, or the change in the relationship between Madelyne and Duncan. Use examples from the novel to support your argument.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

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