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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 is the name of the first character mentioned in The Shadow of the Steeple?

2. The character finds an ancient ______ that he believes might be fake.

3. What was the man's job?

4. How much money was paid to Old Peter?

5. The professor laughed when one of the men suggested that the sweller might be which of the following?

Short Essay Questions

1. What item has deeply affected Josiah Alwyn? What is Grandfather Alwyn's obsession?

2. What happens when Strutt meets the proprietor of the book shop? What is Strutt's reaction?

3. Who are Phillip and Julian Haughtree? What is their profession? What happens to Julian? What is the cause of Julian's issue? What happens to Julian regarding medical care?

4. Who are the main characters in the story In My Boat? Who is the protagonist? Where did the characters meet?

5. What was unusual about Georg Fischer's father? What unusual tragedies have happened to Georg Fischer's family?

6. After Al and Cissie sail off aboard the yacht, they disappear from the scene. What has happened to Al and Cissie?

7. Why is Willie sent to Uncle Fred and Aunt Lucy's farm? What does Willie find that frightens him?

8. Who is Dr. Ambrose Dexter? Why is he important in the story? What does Fiske find when he meets Dexter?

9. What happens to Professor Gardner at Rick's Lake? Who takes on Gardner's case?

10. What is the prequel to The Shadow from the Steeple? In The Shadow from the Steeple Fiske arrives on the scene with a specific focus. What is Fiske's focus?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Several characters throughout the book go insane after having an encounter with a specific object or entity. Examine the insanity of the characters. What makes each character go insane? What is the cause behind the personality shift? Is the person possessed or has he turned into an evil being? Does the person know he is going insane? What is the reaction of the people around the insane character? Is it possible to go insane from an encounter with a horrible entity? Can one be scared into insanity? Is there a treatment or cure? What happens to each character?

Essay Topic 2

Several stories refer to ancient history whether it is in relation to ancient civilizations, curses, spells, or the evil actions of others. In the case of "The Hounds of Tindalos," ancient history is partnered with time travel. Explain the use of ancient history as a part of the ongoing thread in the stories. Also explain how time travel relates to ancient history and the demise of some of the characters.

Essay Topic 3

Various cults are mentioned in the stories including the "nameless cults." Discuss cults as they relate to the tales. Who is involved in each cult? What is the fascination involved with studying cults? Which characters seem to be most interested in learning about cults and their rituals? What type of worship is demanded by the cult leaders? How do characters change once they become involved with a cult?

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