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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. With whom does Miri discuss Olana's cruelty?

2. Whose hand does Miri take as she is walking to the academy?

3. What does Miri realize about quarry-speech?

4. What do the girls think is a fitting punishment?

5. What will Miri's Pa not let her do?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Miri decide to do one day when the other girls go outside?

2. Where does Miri want to go and what does her pa say about it?

3. What happens when Miri tries to be a trader?

4. What does Miri wonder about what Pa thinks about Marda not attending the academy?

5. What did Pa want to name Miri and why didn't he do so?

6. Who is Britta?

7. Why is Miri sent to the closet and what is her experience there like?

8. What are the results of the next test and of what does Bena accuse the fourteen-year-olds?

9. What more does Miri learn about quarry-speech and Linder from Marda and her pa?

10. How does Miri decide to tell of her experience in the closet and how does that affect Gerti?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in "Princess Academy". Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of courage in "Princess Academy". Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of the fulfillment of dreams in "Princess Academy". How did Miri's dreams and hopes change over the course of the book? What about Katar? The Prince? Peder?

Essay Topic 2

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Shannnon Hale.

2. What in Hale's background may have helped him in writing "Princess Academy"? What may have influenced the way he depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 3

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 "Princess Academy" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "Princess Academy"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "Princess Academy" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

(see the answer keys)

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