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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. Who wakes Harry in the night?

2. What did Corlath's father say kelar often was?

3. What is the name of Corlath's interpreter?

4. How was Harry treated by her father and his friends?

5. What does Sir Charles say about the North?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Mathin tell Harry about Forloy, and what does Harry realize about her knowledge of Hill culture?

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

3. What does Corlath ask from the Homelanders, and what is their response?

4. When does Harry get up to begin her training, of what does her training consist and what does Mathin give her to help with her training?

5. How do those who grew up in Istan feel about the environment, and what does Harry discover about Jack and Istan?

6. Why is Mathin a rider and why is he training Harry?

7. What does Harry see when she drinks from the Water of Sight?

8. What type of trouble with neighboring nations does Sir Charles talk about?

9. Where is Harry sent to live, why does she go there, who is she going to live with and what is her new home like?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Characters are an integral and important part of almost all novels. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast the characters of Corlath and Sir Charles. How are they similar? How are they different? Is there a flaw in each of their personalities? Be specific and give examples.

2. Compare/contrast the characters of Harry and Amelia. How do they seem different? Which do you like more? Why? Which one seems more of a well-rounded character?

3. Thoroughly analyze how three of the secondary characters in "The Blue Sword" help drive the plot and what their contribution is to the storyline. Are any of the secondary characters unnecessary? Indispensable? Which of the secondary characters are likable? Which are either unlikable or even despicable? Be specific and give examples.

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

1. Trace and analyze the theme of growth in "The Blue Sword". Consider the following questions as you write: What characters are most concerned with growth? Why? What are some symbols of growth? Symbols of rigidity? What characters seem rigid?

2. Trace and analyze the theme of courage in "The Blue Sword". Which characters struggle with this issue? Why? Which characters seem to possess courage? Why?

3. Trace and analyze the theme of death in "The Blue Sword". Consider the death of Harry's old life as well as the death of the members of the army killed in action.

(see the answer keys)

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