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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. The fact that the man who has stolen the boat has no beard lets Birle realize that he holds what position in society?

2. What does Birle suggest the Lord do so as to increase her time spent with him once they reach the island?

3. Who is Birle's master?

4. Who is the only person still wearing the shackles at the beginning of Chapter 11?

5. Who chases Birle and the Lord?

Short Essay Questions

1. In the beginning of Chapter 2, the mysterious man is asleep while Birle lies awake, yet she is unafraid. What makes her not fear this man?

2. What do Ker and Torson say when Orien tells them of his heritage, and where he and Birle are from?

3. Name a few differences in lifestyle between Birle and Orien that they mention.

4. Joaquim and Corbel are brothers, yet they are vastly different. Briefly describe their differences and mention why Corbel keeps Joaquim around.

5. What new information do we find out about Birle's family and life in Chapter 7?

6. For a young girl and an Innkeeper's daughter, Birle displays a very independent nature. Give a few examples of how she displays this in Chapter 1.

7. What does the name Corbel seem to stand for, who uses it, and why?

8. What are some speculations Birle makes about why the Lord is running away from home?

9. What convinces the Lord to accept Birle as a traveling companion?

10. Why does Birle keep trying to prolong the time she spends with the Lord, and how does she do this in the beginning of Chapter 5?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The concept of fear is used throughout the book, especially by Corbel. What is fear and how does it control a man? How does a man control it? How does a man use fear as a means of control? Discuss the ideas of fear and control as separate entities and how they work together. Use examples and characters from the book. Mention the times that Birle has been afraid and analyze why. Was it another person who made her afraid or an outside force? Was her fear justified?

Essay Topic 2

From start to finish, Birle has a very independent nature. As the heroine of the novel, is her independence refreshing? Is it appropriate for the time period the novel is set in? How is she independent and what does her independence say about her character? How has this trait helped her or impeded her? How did she develop her independence and has it driven her to make the write or wrong choices? Give several examples from the novel to support your claims.

Essay Topic 3

Birle has an interesting relationship with Nan. Describe who Nan is and how she is related to Birle. What does Birle feel for Nan given their relationship? How does she feel about her in the beginning of the book compared to the end? Throughout the novel, Nan is mentioned or thought of by Birle. Are these thoughts positive or negative? Why is Birle thinking about Nan and what does she owe to Nan? Discuss their relationship and how it has affected Birle's person. Use examples from the book.

(see the answer keys)

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