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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. Once Katherine is resigned to marrying Hugh, what does she give him?

2. Who sets the playful tone by dancing a dog on the table at Blanche's funeral dinner hosted by the king?

3. Hugh is initially suspicious as to why the duke has forgiven his debts. When Katherine reassures him that it must be the Duke's way of thanking her for taking care of the Duchess, how does Hugh react?

4. Despite telling the Captal that he only loves Katherine, what must John do?

5. After reversing the Parliament's measures, John still has two significant enemies:

Short Essay Questions

1. Name some of the devastating events of 1369 and how they affect Kettlethorpe.

2. Was it foolish of Katherine to refuse an escort back to Kettlethorpe? Why or why not?

3. Who helps Katherine deliver her baby daughter, and what happens right after the umbilical cord is cut?

4. What happens to the duke after he exits the commemorative mass for Blanche, and how does he react?

5. When Katherine leaves the convent where she has lived for the past five years, she is excited because she has yearned to experience life outside the Sheppey Priory walls. During the journey to the queen's court, and upon her arrival, what kinds of people does she meet who make her quickly realize how protected a life she has led?

6. What does Katherine do during her pregnancy that leads the servants to believe she might be losing her mind?

7. At first, the atmosphere surrounding Blanches' funeral and burial is very solemn, very sad. But it turns jovial and circus-like during the supper at court. What happens?

8. Despite Hugh's death and pledging their undying love for each other, Katherine and the duke cannot marry. Why?

9. What does Philippa, Katherine's older sister, say in a letter that upsets Katherine deeply?

10. Why does the duke become the "target of an angry, puzzled England"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Despite his charisma, John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster, has many insecurities. Describe these insecurities and how they shape his character.

Essay Topic 2

Nirac the Gascon and loyal servant to the Duke of Lancaster is one of the more interesting characters in the entire story. Loyalty is a theme that recurs throughout the story on many levels. Explain why Nirac is originally very loyal to the duke and why that loyalty is eventually tested. Could things have turned out differently for Nirac?

Essay Topic 3

Symbols play a great part in the lives of people during the medieval years. Choose three symbols from the story and explain their significance to the characters involved.

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