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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 does Severian find in his satchel following Agilus' execution?

2. What is Severian caught by as he swims with the other boys?

3. What are Severian and his challenger wearing when they enter the arena?

4. Who is naked and crying for Agilus in the prison?

5. What kinds of weapons are carried by the person or people who attack the men in the graveyard?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do Severian and the other boys sneak to the gate of the graveyard?

2. What does Severian do for Thecla that breaks a rule of the guild?

3. As Severian prepares to leave the city following the execution of Agilus, what does he learn about the priestesses?

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

5. Why does Severian say he wants to be a torturer?

6. What does Thecla hope the Autarch will do?

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

8. In Chapter 25, why does the innkeeper make Severian pay for his meal upfront?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What changes does Severian undergo from the beginning of Shadow & Claw to the end? What events facilitate his growth?

Essay Topic 2

Describe what Severian's reaction to Thecla's letter reveals about his character? Why do you think a man in his position could be somewhat naive and gullible?

Essay Topic 3

Why does Jonas say that he and Severian are monsters? What does he mean by this? Does the author intend for the reader to think of either character as a monster? Why or why not?

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This section contains 580 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample