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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 does Corlath think Thurra has managed to do?

2. With what is Corlath fighting when he leaves the Residency?

3. What do several Riders do around the fire the night Harry is given her sash?

4. What did Jack say about Corlath speaking at the meeting?

5. What does Corlath tell his riders about Harry?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the girls do when they are back in the Residency and what does Jack say about how Corlath was feeling?

2. What does the group talk about when Beth and Cassie join Harry, how does Harry learn more about Hillfolk, and why is Jack included in the dinner with their king?

3. Why do the girls decide to return to Harry's home and what do they find there? What is strange about it to them?

4. What does Corlath have Harry do at the camp, why is she offended and what is Corlath's response to her anger?

5. What does Mathin show her about fire, what can he not teach her and why and what do they do after Harry's sixth week of training?

6. What does Corlath think his kelar is showing him and why does he think he is wrong?

7. What kind of news does Sir Charles announce at breakfast?

8. What does King Corlath look like, and what kind of mood is he in when the girls arrive at the residence?

9. What happens when Harry wakes up after being taken by King Corlath?

10. What happens with Harry as the group travels and what does she realize about her home with Sir Charles and Lady Amelia?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which 3 secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Often, authors will write about "what they know," and sometimes knowing a little about the author makes the books more interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Research and give a brief biographical sketch of Robin McKinley.

2. What in McKinley's background may have helped him in writing "The Blue Sword"? What may have influenced the way she depicts various characters and scenes?

3. Do you think there is always some of the author's own life in his/her novels? Why or why not? Give examples.

Essay Topic 3

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of "The Blue Sword" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "The Blue Sword" is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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