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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. The narrator takes a job as which of the following?

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

3. The group lived in which hilly region?

4. What word is used to describe Carnby's house?

5. The Black Stone is rumored to have been erected in honor of which famous man?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does Paul Tregardis find the crystal in Ubbo-Sathla? What is Paul Tregardis' first impression of the crystal?

2. Von Junzt's reference to Dostmann leads the narrator in which direction?

3. Who is the main character in The Call of Cthulhu? What is his relationship to the deceased character? How does the initial discovery occur?

4. Tregardis is shocked by the explanation and quickly thinks about the Book of Eibon. What is the Book of Eibon? Why is it important?

5. What happens to Howard after Wells is set adrift?

6. Describe John Carnby. What kind of work does he do? Where does he live? How is the house described?

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

8. The opening quote in the story is written by Justin Geoffrey. Who is Justin Geoffrey and how does he relate to the story?

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

10. What does the narrator see during his night by the Black Stone?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are several examples of what might be considered as "fan fiction." An excellent example is "The Shadow from the Steeple" in which the author continues a story that was started by Lovecraft. Discuss the purpose of fan fiction. Is it considered to be stealing or flattery? What might an author think about fan fiction? Do you think including the story in the collection is a sign of approval?

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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