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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. Who is William Goldman?

2. While the author's family was in New York, where was he?

3. Why does Buttercup toss and turn all night following the visit from the Count and Countess?

4. Why does Buttercup grow upset with the Countess?

5. Who entertained the author when he was a child recovering at home?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Vizzini, Fezzik, and Inigo come to kidnap Buttercup?

2. Is there any love in the courtship between Buttercup and Humperdinck?

3. How does the Man in Black reach the top of the Cliffs of Insanity after Vizzini cuts the rope?

4. Why does Buttercup grow jealous over the way the Countess stared at Westley?

5. Whenever the farm boy says "As you wish", what does he really mean?

6. How does Fezzik feel when he sees the Man in Black approaching after his fight with Inigo?

7. How does Buttercup try to escape her kidnappers?

8. As future queen of Florin, how does Buttercup regard the people?

9. How does Buttercup realize that the Man in Black is Westley?

10. What obstacles do Westley and Buttercup face in the Fire Swamp?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze what messages the author is trying to convey about placing exaggerated importance on appearances. Using specific examples from the story, determine what the author considers superfluous and what he regards as real.

Essay Topic 2

Explain how the following elements add levels of detail and intrigue to the story:

1. Humperdinck's and Buttercup's impending wedding.

2. The prince's penchant for hunting.

3. The prince's plot to kill his bride.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Westley with Prince Humperdinck. What makes the pirate the "good guy"? What makes the prince the "bad guy"? How does the author use these two characters to turn traditional fairy tales upside down? What makes this book a satire under the pretense of being a fairy tale?

(see the answer keys)

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