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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. Who is Richard Babage?

2. Where does Jennifer come from to go to Guy's hospital?

3. About what does Sam Gilbourne ask Nat?

4. Who is Sam Gilbourne dressed to resemble?

5. Where is Nat in the dream he has?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Nat's dream that he has in Chapter 16.

2. Where does Nat awaken in Chapter 17 and what does he find out?

3. What secret does Arby reveal to Nat?

4. What do Nat, Gil and Rachel learn about the Nat Field of 1599?

5. What intrigues Nurse Stevens about the Nat she is caring for in the isolation unit?

6. What do Nat and his aunt Jen decide to do?

7. Why does Nat argue with Arby about Nat's exit and what does Nat do?

8. How does Richard help Nat prepare for Nat's role as Puck and how does Nat feel when he is ready?

9. Why is Nat worried concerning the political situation and Shakespeare and Burbage?

10. In Chapter 12, who arrives at Guy's Hospital and what does the person learn?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Nat of 1999 is a about sixteen when the novel opens. Discuss the following:

1. What are some ways that Nat seems like an average sixteen year old? Give examples and why you say the activities are average teen activities.

2. What are some ways that Nat seems older than sixteen? Give specific examples and discuss whether they seem consistent with the character of Nat as he is developed throughout the book.

3. Is it realistic to think Nat could handle the situations that arise in the novel in the ways he does? How much impact do you think Nat's father's suicide had on his growing up faster?

Essay Topic 2

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as King of Shadows help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading King of Shadows? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "King of Shadows" to discuss and compare Nat's response to that of two other characters and to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of love throughout King of Shadows. Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with love? Why? What are some symbols of love? Symbols of hate or dislike? What characters seem most loving? Least loving?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of grief throughout "King of Shadows". What characters are most concerned with grief? Why? What are some symbols of grief? How do the characters handle grief?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of politics throughout "King of Shadows". What characters are most involved in politics? Why? What are some symbols of politics? Symbols of power? Why are some of the ways different characters express their political involvement?

(see the answer keys)

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