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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 put on Agia's chest to hold her to the ground?

2. What do the things that attack Severian in the cave do when they see the Claw?

3. While Dorcas and Severian are in the castle, who arrives?

4. Where are the wounds that Jolenta is bleeding from?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Severian sad when he sees Agia and the archers after leaving the caves?

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

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

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

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

6. Why were Vodalus' men sent to get Severian?

7. What happens when Severian shows the Claw in the cave while the beasts are surrounding him?

8. What happens to Jolenta after she dies?

9. Why is Severian unable to kill Agia?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why is there so much fear in Shadow & Claw? What purpose does fear felt by the characters serve? In what ways does fear drive the plot?

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 548 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample