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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. How does Merivel think the King feels about him?

2. How does Celia feel about Finn's task?

3. What instrument does Merivel play to get the bird to sing?

4. What mode of transportation does Merivel find to go to the place Celia was hidden?

5. What does Pearce say will happen to Merivel's love for the King?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Degeulasse de Gourly come to visit Merivel?

2. What does Merivel fantasize about while he's having sex with Violet?

3. What does Merivel do after he leaves Celia on their wedding night?

4. What is Merivel's reaction to the letter about Rosie?

5. How does Merivel convince Lady Bathurst that she has nothing to worry about regarding Celia?

6. What is Merivel's response to the King summoning him with a letter?

7. What is wrong with Lady Bathurst's husband?

8. Explain what the King hopes to gain by having Merivel marry Celia.

9. Why does Reverend Sackpole want Merivel to examine Nell?

10. How does Merivel imagine the representation of his astrological sign?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Power is a defining element in relationships in the novel. Discuss power in the novel.

1) What gives characters power over others in the novel?

2) What gives the King power, and what are the limits of the King's power? How does the King use his power?

3) What kind of power does Merivel have as a doctor and as an associate of the King in the novel? How does he use this power?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss loyalty in the novel.

1) Who is Merivel loyal to in the novel? Does Merivel remain loyal to the King? Why does Merivel lie to Celia about the King's message?

2) Are the characters loyal to themselves? In what ways? What happens when a character is disloyal, to himself or to another?

3) What is the relationship between loyalty and love? Can loyalty in the novel exist without love?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the values of the characters in the novel, and how the characters assign value to both material and immaterial things.

1) Discuss the valuation of the "nightingale." What gives it value to Merivel, Pearce, and Celia. Why?

2) How do the characters value immaterial things, such as love, friendship, family, tradition, and religion? What role do immaterial things play in the characters' lives?

3) How do the characters value other people? What is this valuation based on?

(see the answer keys)

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