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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 does Severo wish he could do?

2. What does Palinor say about his fall from the ship?

3. What does Severo do about Beneditx?

4. What does Rafal do to fulfill the task Severo gave him?

5. What do the people in Ciudad do when Palinor arrives?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Severo say the experiment with Amara is void?

2. What do the servants at Saracen's house demand of Fra Murta?

3. What happens when Palinor is tortured?

4. Describe Severo's night the night before Palinor is burned.

5. What does Beneditx say to Palinor about his new knowledge of nonbelievers? What does Palinor say to him?

6. Why are the nuns upset and what does Pare Aldonza say and then suggest?

7. Why does Severo turn Palinor over to Fra Murta?

8. What does Palinor see as he rides into Ciudad?

9. What does Palinor think about as far as writings of St. Augustine?

10. What does Fra Murta tell Severo about Aclar?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

While Taddeo and Margalida break no laws, their heartless treatment of Josefa brings up questions of what is the true nature of Christian love, especially between a parent and a child.

1. Explain why you agree or disagree with the statement above.

2. Do you think just because someone claims to be religious it automatically makes them a good person? Why or why not?

3. Do you think Taddeo and Margalida's treatment of Josefa is abusive? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

This chapter elaborates on some of the primary religious questions raised in the novel. Palinor believes he arrived on the island by accident, while Severo and Beneditx believe his presence must have a godly purpose.

1. Do you think Palinor arrived at the island by accident? Why or why not?

2. Why do you think Severo and Beneditx want to persuade Palinor his coming was no accident?

3. If Palinor is burned at the stake for his lack of belief, would that change your answer to the first two questions? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

There is a glimmer of hope for the nuns as Amara takes to the litter box. Her savage nature, however, is once more revealed as she immediately is accepted into a pack of hunters' hounds.

1. Do you think it is possible for a child to be raised in the wilds and survive? Why or why not?

2. Do you think, given Amara's age, she will ever be able to act completely human? Why or why not?

3. How do you think the situation with Amara could be used to test the nature versus nurture controversy?

(see the answer keys)

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