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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. Why does Mathin give Harry a maroon sash?

2. What does Mathin give Harry to help her training?

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

4. What does Corlath say the men who tried to undress her were doing?

5. What reason does Corlath give his riders for considering taking Harry with them?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Richard worried about Harry and how does she settle in her new home?

2. Who helped put Harry in her new home and how did he do it?

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

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

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

6. What does Harry do after dinner, and what does Corlath think as he looks at Harry?

7. Why does Corlath want to take Harry and how does he do it?

8. What does Jack discover about Harry during a dinner conversation?

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

10. Why do Harry and Mathin leave camp and who wakes Harry at night?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "The Blue Sword". Questions that McKinley 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 McKinley' agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss McKinley' 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 McKinley and see if/where her life may have influenced her writing.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss one of the following:

1. Thoroughly analyze how the setting informs the plot in "The Blue Sword".

2. Trace and analyze one major theme of "The Blue Sword". How is the theme represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

3. Trace and analyze two secondary themes of "The Blue Sword". How are the themes represented by symbolism? By the characters' behaviors? By the action?

(see the answer keys)

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