View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who had kept Einar's father from flinging his infant body into the fire on the day of Einar's birth?

2. What does Alys feed Claire upon Claire's arrival in the village?

3. What pieces of clothing does Alys stitch from an animal hide so that Claire can keep warm in the winter?

4. What is the most frightening aspect of Trademaster's appearance, according to Claire?

5. How old are the three best friends Delwyth, Bethan, and Eira at the time of Claire's arrival in the village?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the relationship between Alys and Old Benedikt?

2. What does Einar say about Claire's stated motivation for climbing out?

3. What is the significance of Claire's outburst after Bryn gives birth to a healthy baby girl?

4. What exercises does Einar give Claire to do until the winter is over?

5. What idea does Einar get after seeing Claire hold Bryn's baby?

6. What does Alys tell Claire about the power of scent?

7. How does Claire's reaction to reaching the summit of the hill path change over time?

8. Though Alys is childless herself, what experience does she have that qualifies her for the care of Claire upon Claire's arrival in the village?

9. Why do Bethan, Delwyth, and Eira stop playing a pretend game involving babies and instead switch to playing tea party?

10. What is the reason for Bryn's falling into despair and how does Alys try to help?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many of the novel's characters undergo experiences that radically transform their lives, taking them far away from the expectations they have previously held. Analyze at least three characters' transformative experiences, the effects these events have on their lives, their methods for dealing with these changes, and ultimately, the author's purpose for including these types of disparities between expectation and reality.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the significance of the novel's title and of the repeated references to sons throughout the narrative. What is the author's purpose in including the motif of male children, both in the title and throughout the narrative of the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the two maternal characters within the narrative: Alys of the village and Claire's female parental unit of the community. What is the author's message regarding motherhood?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 882 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample