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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. After Severian falls into the water on the way to get the avern, what is dragged out of the water with him?
(a) A huge fish.
(b) A young woman.
(c) A new sword.
(d) Strange seaweed.

2. Who is Hildegrin?
(a) The man who challenged Severian.
(b) Drotte's brother.
(c) The ferryman.
(d) Severian's father.

3. Why is Agilus arrested after Severian battles his challenger?
(a) He stole Severian's sword.
(b) He killed several people in the crowd.
(c) He lied about his identity.
(d) He cheated.

4. What does Thecla ask the head of the guild for?
(a) Someone to come and sit with her.
(b) An elaborate meal with wine.
(c) A pen and paper.
(d) A knife.

5. What will happen to a person who is pricked by an avern?
(a) They will go insane.
(b) They will die.
(c) They will turn to stone.
(d) They will become blind and deaf.

6. When Severian wakes up following the challenge, who is sitting in the chair next to him?
(a) Agia.
(b) Dorcas.
(c) Agilus.
(d) A ghost.

7. What gift does Severian receive before leaving the guild?
(a) A sword.
(b) A crossbow.
(c) A bag of gold coins.
(d) A gem.

8. How does the guild celebrate Severian becoming a journeyman torturer?
(a) They do not celebrate.
(b) With an elaborate graduation ceremony.
(c) By giving him many gifts, including gold.
(d) With a feast.

9. When a new woman is brought to the guild, to which cell is she assigned?
(a) As far from Thecla's cell as possible.
(b) Next to Thecla's.
(c) The same cell as Thecla.
(d) Near Severian's rooms.

10. What orders does Severian find on Master Gurloes' table?
(a) Orders to torture and execute Vodalus.
(b) Orders to send Severian away from the guild.
(c) Orders to torture and execute Thecla.
(d) Order to torture Severian.

11. What does Severian find in his satchel following Agilus' execution?
(a) The Claw of the Conciliator.
(b) A green dagger.
(c) A letter from Agia.
(d) A gold coin.

12. Following breakfast with Dr. Talos and Baldanders, what catches Severian's attention outside of a shop?
(a) A sword with an elaborately carved hilt.
(b) A beautiful woman.
(c) A painting.
(d) An enormous man.

13. What are Severian and his challenger wearing when they enter the arena?
(a) Full suits of armor.
(b) Only red pants.
(c) Boots and masks.
(d) Cloaks.

14. What is Master Gurloes' position in the guild?
(a) Secretary.
(b) Main torturer.
(c) Judge.
(d) Head of the guild.

15. At the beginning of the story Severian tells about his adventure as a boy. Where are Severian and the other boys?
(a) At the school.
(b) Hiding in a mausoleum.
(c) Near the river.
(d) At the gate of the cemetery.

Short Answer Questions

1. What direction do the priestesses travel in after leaving the city?

2. Whose office is Severian taken to after Thecla's death?

3. What has Severian been challenged to do by the masked man?

4. What is an avern?

5. After the play, Severian falls asleep and dreams of whom?

(see the answer keys)

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