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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 Morrigan's reply to Mona's question?

2. How do the "Little People" arise?

3. What does Mona confide in about to Mary Jane?

4. What does Granny say usually happens to a walking baby?

5. What does Mona say about the birth of Morrigan?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Granny tell Mona about walking babies?

2. Where did Ash's group of Taltos eventually settle and how was their life? For what were the circle of stones used? What was one of the differences between Taltos babies in their new location as opposed to their old one?

3. How did many Taltos women die, and what happens when a Taltos dies? Why was life good for the Taltos?

4. What does Rowan tell Ash about Michael's fears about telling Ash the truth?

5. How does Ash come to write the book Stuart had in his possession?

6. What does Ash say about Taltos traits and where did the Taltos develop? What usually caused a Taltos to die?

7. Who is Mary Jane bringing to her home on a boat and why does she need him?

8. How is Mona doing when she and Mary Jane arrive at the dock and what does she tell Mary Jane?

9. What does Ash say about how the Taltos first lived peaceably with humans?

10. What do Michael and Yuri talk about on the phone?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of interesting questions raised by Taltos. Questions that Rice most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Rice's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Rice's probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Rice and see if/where her life may have influenced her writing.

Essay Topic 2

Most fantasy novels, and in some sense, most novels, deal with the concept of good and evil. Discuss the following:

1. What are the forces allied with "good" in Taltos's world and what forces are allied with "evil"?

2. How does one distinguish good from evil? How is good distinguished from evil in Taltos's world?

3. Is there a universal consensus on what constitutes good or evil? Why or why not?

4. Do you generally agree with the ideas of good and evil in Taltos? Why or why not?

5. What are several examples of good and evil in your culture? Do you agree with these ideas? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Characters are an important part of what makes Taltos interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Ash. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Rowan. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Mona. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

(see the answer keys)

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