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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 unusual animal is suspended from the ceiling?

2. What is the real name of the Black Book?

3. What is the name of the protagonist's good friend?

4. Which group supposedly lived in the valley with the Magyars?

5. What is the name of the neighborhood where Blake resides?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Paul Tregardis when he stares into the crystal?

2. Who was Von Junzt? What was his claim to fame?

3. Who is Ogden? Why does he go to work for John Carnby? What is the nature of Ogden's job?

4. The narrator found mention of the Black Stone in Von Junzt's work. What did Von Junzt write about the obelisk?

5. Who is the main character in The Haunter of the Dark? Where has this character previously appeared? Where does the character go at the beginning of the story?

6. How does Chalmers explain the existence of the Fourth Dimension to Frank?

7. Discuss the basic premise of The Hounds of Tindalos.

8. Discuss the contents of the documents found by Thurston. Describe the strange reaction people have had by coming in contact with the statue.

9. What book is Carnby asked to translate? Why is the book different from the other versions? What passages interest Carnby the most?

10. What is the supposed history of the Black Stone? Has the theory been proven?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Some authors choose to weave history throughout their stories to make them more believable. For example, in "The Salem Horror" the author, Henry Kuttner, uses the Salem Witch Trials as a background for the story involving Carson. In "The Black Stone," Robert Howard uses the history of the Huns and their invasion of Hungary as a backdrop and explanation for the enchanted monolith. Examine why authors use historical references in their stories. Do you think the references help or hinder the stories? Do you think the choices of locations help the stories? Explain. Also verify the facts used in each story.

Essay Topic 2

Several of the stories mention ancient and/or forbidden texts, such as the infamous Necronomicon. Which other texts are mentioned? Which is the most referenced? Which is the most powerful? Does the text actually exist? If so, is the text available to the public? Why do the characters feel compelled to locate the texts? The characters often find the need to translate the texts. In which languages were the texts written? How can one be sure that the text is genuine? How can one be sure that the translation is correct? What might happen if a translation is incorrect? Also discuss the purpose and use of the texts in various stories.

Essay Topic 3

The Salem Witch Trials are mentioned in more than one story, although "The Salem Horror" uses the tragedy as a backdrop. Write a 1000 word essay on the Salem Witch Trials. Were they real? Were any witches actually hanged? What is the draw to Salem in modern times? Do witches really exist? If so, do you think they reside in Salem? What is Carson's opinion of witches? What started the witch trials? When did they take place? Where were the witches executed? What was the real cause behind the trials? Explain.

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