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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 decide to do before completing his challenge?

2. What will happen to a person who is pricked by an avern?

3. What is the name of the man in the shop Severian visits after breakfast with Dr. Talos and Baldanders?

4. What has happened to the dog that Severian finds?

5. Who is the lover of Thecla's sister?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Agia tell Severian he should do rather than dueling with the masked man?

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

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

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

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

8. Why do the priestesses at the holy building search Agia?

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

10. What do Severian and the other apprentices see when they go to the graveyard?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What does the graveyard scene at the beginning of the book foreshadow? How does the author use the scene to hint at events yet to come? Is this instance of foreshadowing effective? Why or why not?

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

What role does the future play in Shadow & Claw? What mentions of the future are there? How does Severian seem to feel about his future?

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