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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. How does John suddenly strengthen his political position?

2. What does Katherine realize about herself after hearing Geoffrey read the love poem?

3. How does the duke react to news of Hugh's death?

4. The Earl of March envies John, but thinks he has one strength and advantage that John does not:

5. Who does Katherine encounter on the ship to Bordeaux?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Describe changes in Katherine now from the Katherine introduced at the start of this story:

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

5. In this new phase of Katherine's life, she lives in the Inner Court at Kenilworth Castle. Once again, she is quite different from the Katherine at the beginning of the story, and the Katherine who was outwardly loyal and devoted to her abusive husband Hugh. Describe how she is once again different.

6. Katherine's sister Philippa is engaged to the writer Geoffrey Chaucer and her future seems set. While Philippa is concerned about her younger sister's welfare, she's also jealous of her. Why?

7. 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?

8. Nirac becomes a pivotal character in this part of the duke and Katherine's lives. What does he do?

9. Costanza tells John that she had a dream. What did she dream that sets this chapter into motion?

10. Who breaks up the fight between Roger DeCheyne and Hugh Swynford? And how does Katherine react to this?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Religion plays a large role in the daily lives of people in the middle ages. Explain how two of Katherine's experiences--when she sees the "pyx" pass the Chaucer home and when Hugh's sword falls to the floor at the abbey-- demonstrate this point.

Essay Topic 2

When Katherine first arrives at the castle with Blanche's funereal procession, the king is described as sad. not just because of the Duchess's death, but also because he recently became a widower himself. Yet, a short while later, the king's mistress, Alice Perrers, turns the royal dinner, held ostensibly to honor the life of Blanche, into a circus. First, describe the dinner setting. Although Alice doesn't have an official title or rank in the royal court, does this event demonstrate power she has over the king, and therefore also over the court?

Essay Topic 3

Do you think Nirac had any concept that putting the poison in Hugh's medicine would have such far-reaching consequences? By the time he dies, do you think he had any regrets about his past actions? Or does he feel he has done everything with honor?

(see the answer keys)

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