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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 or who attacks Severian and Jonas after bringing the soldier back to life?

2. What does Vodalus order Severian to take a mouthful of at the feast?

3. What does Severian hear the morning after he parts ways with Dr. Talos following the final play?

4. What does the letter say Thecla did?

5. Where is the green man from?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Severian unable to kill Agia?

2. When Severian finds Dr. Talos and the others in the garden at the House of Absolute, what is Dr. Talos doing?

3. Why does Barnoch look half dead when Severian first sees him?

4. What does Severian remind Vodalus of when he and Jonas are brought before Vodalus?

5. In Thecla's letter to Severian, how does she say she escaped?

6. What prompts Severian to leave the cave where he was attacked by beasts?

7. What happens to Hildegrin while the witches are in a trance?

8. What does the green man tell Severian about Agia?

9. What happens to Jolenta after she dies?

10. What does the beautiful and frightening creature in the water tell Severian to try to get him to join her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does the author build a sense of mystery in Shadow & Claw? What purpose does the element of mystery serve? Provide specific examples of mysterious events or statements to support your ideas.

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

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