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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. What happens to Severian in the water when he tries to free himself?

2. What is in the river that Severian crosses on his way to the avern?

3. What does Master Gurloes ask Severian when he is summoned to the master's office?

4. How many men do Severian and the boys see in the graveyard?

5. Why is Agilus arrested after Severian battles his challenger?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happened to the other men that Agilus and Agia had challenged in the same manner as Severian?

2. Why does Severian put on his torturer's mask before entering the arena to duel?

3. What does Agia have Severian disguise himself as when they leave the shop to find the avern?

4. How is Severian saved from drowning in the river as he and the other apprentices return home from the graveyard?

5. What reason does Master Palaemon give Severian that the guild is unable to punish or kill Severian for helping Thecla?

6. What vision do Severian and Dorcas see following the duel?

7. What does Severian keep from his friends about his near drowning in the river?

8. According to Agilus, why did the masked man challenge Severian?

9. Why does Vodalus give Severian a gold coin?

10. When will the duel occur and why must it occur at that time?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does the author portray women in Shadow & Claw? Does the way in which he describes female characters and the way the characters act show a respect for women or does it show disrespect? Do you think this feeling is that of the author or is it merely a reflection of Severian's character?

Essay Topic 2

Describe the relationship between Jonas and Severian. Why doesn't Jonas tell Severian that he is part machine? What does their friendship show about Severian's sense of loyalty?

Essay Topic 3

Death is treated with much ceremony and dignity throughout Shadow & Claw. What does this treatment of death reveal about Severian? What does it reveal about the author's own thoughts on death?

(see the answer keys)

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