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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 Jack say he tried to do at the end of the meeting?

2. Where does Corlath encourage Harry to go in the camp?

3. From what ancestral line is Corlath?

4. How do Harry's friends father feel about the desert?

5. What does Amelia tell Harry concerning Harry's friends?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Harry do after breakfast, who befriends her and what does Corlath do to prepare her for the rest of the journey?

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

3. What does Harry see in the fire, what is her response and what is Corlath's response?

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

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

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

7. How does Harry do in the trials and what happens during her last challenge?

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

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

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

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 readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as "The Blue Sword" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "The Blue Sword"? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in "The Blue Sword" to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "The Blue Sword", identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in "The Blue Sword". (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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