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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 do Madelyne and Adela discuss before they go to dinner with Gerald?

2. Why does Madelyne say during the marriage ceremony that she willingly takes the groom as her husband?

3. What event makes Madelyne laugh, but terrifies everyone else?

4. How long is the cooling off period that the king orders?

5. Madelyne almost gets herself injured when she does what?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Rachel and what is the truth of Rachel's relationship with her husband and with Louddon that is overheard by Madelyne in London?

2. Why does Duncan refuse to call witnesses to testify in his defense before the king?

3. Why does Madelyne make a sudden decision to marry Duncan?

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

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

6. Why does Madelyne suspect that Duncan is sent to the country for a month to cool off?

7. Why does Duncan not like the changes that Madelyne makes to the hall?

8. Why does Madelyne not believe Duncan when he tells her that her wolf saves her life?

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

10. Why does Louddon believe that Madelyne does as he commands while she is under his control in London?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Madelylne begins by dreaming of Odysseus and then sings about his adventures, teaching the Wextons and Gerald of his story. From whom and under what circumstances does Madlyne learn about Odysseus and Ployphemus? Who are these mythological characters and how do they allude to characters in Honor's Splendour? Who reminds Madelyne of Odysseus and why? Who reminds Madelyne of Polyphemus and why? Does Madelyne find that in the end, she is living the dream of Odysseus? Provide examples from the book to 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

During the novel, Madelyne often refers to herself as a coward. By the end of the novel, Duncan refers to Madelyne as courageous. Explain whether or not Madelyne is a coward or courageous and why. Why do Duncan and Madelyne disagree on this point and who is right, or are they both right? Explain your opinion and provide at least three concrete examples to support your point of view.

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