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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. Where does Birle think she and Orien will be the safest as Orien heals?

2. What surprises Orien about Hearing Day?

3. If someone asked Birle who she was, what would she be most likely to answer in Chapter 22?

4. What does Yul do to give alert to Birle in Chapter 19 during their escape from the city?

5. Who is inside the bundle of dirty clothes that Yul leans against the wall?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Chapter 21, once Orien is well, what differences does he say is in Birle's character?

2. Describe the relationship that Birle develops with the Earl.

3. How is Birle's life now in Chapter 15, living with Joaquim?

4. What does Birle understand about Nan?

5. How does Corbel see Birle differently now in Chapter 16?

6. Describe Nan and Birle's meeting.

7. What sort of reputation has Birle earned in Chapter 17 amongst the people of the city while being a slave?

8. Describe Birle's work as a slave for Joaquim and what drives her to work so hard.

9. What is decided upon in Chapter 20 of how they will be set free?

10. What does Birle decide at the end of Chapter 19?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Birle and Orien are two very different people. Compare and contrast not only their lifestyles but also their characters. How these two different people manage to get along? Use specific examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

The entire novel is told from Birle's point of view. Authors use a certain point of view to achieve a certain mood for the story. What do you think Voigt is trying to achieve in allowing us only Birle's thoughts and views? Why not see Orien's? How might the story have been different if we were to glimpse at what Orien thought. Would our thinking of the events of the book possibly change?

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This section contains 800 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample