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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 is Master Gurloes' position in the guild?

2. Who is Hildegrin?

3. Where do the boys intend to go when they leave the graveyard?

4. What is Severian in charge of for the people sent to the guild?

5. Why does Severian say he will meet with Agilus before he executes him?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Thecla hope the Autarch will do?

2. What happens to Severian's wounds from the duel?

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

4. Why does Severian refuse to take Agia's advice about the duel with the masked man?

5. Why does Severian hide the coin he receives from Vodalus?

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

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

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

9. How does the machine that Thecla is strapped to make a person feel?

10. Who does Severian realize is Thecla's sister?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe compassion as a motif of Shadow & Claw. In what instances do we see compassion in the novel? Who shows compassion? Does compassion seem to be a strange motif given the nature of Severian's profession? Did the author chose to make Severian a compassionate man?

Essay Topic 2

What examples of symbolism are used in Shadow & Claw? Name at least three examples of symbolism and explain what each stands for.

Essay Topic 3

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

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