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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. Why does Berkthgar jump into the battle so fast?

2. What does Baenre do in front of the crowd?

3. What are the gnomish priests attempting to do in Chapter Twelve?

4. Why was Drizzt concerned about how the dwarfs might treat him when they are preparing to fight against the drow?

5. Why do Matron Baenre and her followers rejoice in Chapter Fourteen?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Jarlaxle decide to let Matron Baenre go ahead with her battle plans?

2. What does Bensell do that makes the Knights in Silvers' jobs more difficult?

3. What does Baenre decide to do after she learns that Uthegental has been killed?

4. What overwhelms Bidderdoo and what is his reaction to being attacked by a kobold?

5. Why might those in Keeper's Dale have a rough battle?

6. Why does Lady Alustriel finally enter the battle, what does she do, and what happens to her when she does?

7. How does Matron Baenre finally punish K'yorl?

8. How does Baenre know what to do about K'yorl and what does the sulfur enable her to do?

9. Describe how Uthegental is killed.

10. Who are the first group on the dwarf side to see battle and what kind of different weapon do they use?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In SIEGE OF DARKNESS there are other sentient beings besides humans. Discuss the following:

1. List and describe all the sentient, non-human beings.

2. Do you think most of the the non-human, sentient beings are accorded lesser status? Is it fair? Are they inferior to human beings?

3. Are there any characters who seem to accord the non-human, sentient beings equal status with their own? Who? If not, why not?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of SIEGE OF DARKNESS, identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements (They may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not.

Essay Topic 3

In the world of academe, fantasy is often considered an inferior form of the novel compared to "classic" literature. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think fantasy might be considered second-rate compared to the classics?

2. Do you think fantasy has the same elements as the classics? Why or why not?

3. What are the purposes do you think for people reading "the classics"? What are the purposed for people reading fantasy? Is one purpose better than another? Explain your response.

4. Would you read fantasy even outside an educational setting? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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