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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. When Birle tells Joaquim of the Kingdom, what does he think of it?

2. What does Birle warn Orien about when she is finally able to talk with him?

3. What does Birle suggest Orien do?

4. How long has it been since the beginning of the novel at the point where Birle and Orien finally are reunited during their time in slavery?

5. In front of what does Birle sit at the beginning of Chapter 24?

Short Essay Questions

1. Birle realizes that Corbel, along with being cruel and greedy, is also clever. How is he clever, especially with the throwing of the feast?

2. How do the Lord's sentences seem on Hearing Day?

3. What changes occur in Orien and Birle's relationship in Chapter 21 after Birle and Orien have escaped slavery and Orien is now healed?

4. Why does Birle reveal to Joaquim that she can read?

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

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

7. Who is Lady Fortune and what does Joaquim say about her?

8. Birle sees a hand nailed to a board holding a gold coin and she finds out that there is another hand on the other side as well as the heads that go with the hands elsewhere at the marketplace. What do these represent and who are they?

9. Describe Damall's character and who he is.

10. Describe the relationship between Joaquim and Birle in Chapter 19.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many times people take something that has been given to them or something that they have learned for granted. Often times these gifts are taken for granted because people cannot see their true worth. Sometimes one might understand the true value of a gift and sometimes, never. For Birle, the two "treasures" she ultimately finds very useful to have is the ability to read and write. How did she initially feel about being given this treasure by her grandparents and why did she feel this way? Along her journey, how did her views of being able to read and write change? In what instances was it helpful? How does she regard her treasures by the end? Be specific using examples.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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.

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