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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. During the final play in the book, who is supposed to scare the crowds?

2. What is taking place in the town where Severian is working as an executioner?

3. In the House of Absolute, what turns out to be portals to other dimensions?

4. Who does Severian meet that is able to see the future?

5. Before Vodalus was separated from Dorcas, who was following them?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. During the last play in the book, what happens that makes Severian think there will be a lot of trouble?

3. What does Severian say about the magic fountain that leads the reader to believe it may have been correct about Severian's future?

4. Why does Severian gain Thecla's memories and thoughts?

5. What do the witches in the castle assure Severian and Dorcas of concerning Jolenta?

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

7. Why does Severian stop to look for his missing sword before he leaves the cave where the beasts attacked him?

8. How does Jonas hope to find a way to fix himself?

9. What do Dr. Talos and Baldanders plan to do when they leave the group toward the end of the book?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is Vodalus' purpose for having Severian drink an elixir made from Thecla's body? Does he stand to gain something from this or is he trying to help Severian? What is the author's purpose for including this event in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

How is justice used in Shadow & Claw? Which characters mete out justice? Which events show characters delivering punishment that could be seen as unjust? What do these examples of justice and unjust punishment reveal about the author and his views?

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