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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. Where is Corlath taking his riders?

2. What does Jack offer Harry?

3. For how long does Harry say they need to hold the pass?

4. What does Corlath angrily say about the Outlanders?

5. Who stays behind as Corlath and his army leave Luthe's?

Short Essay Questions

1. What amuses Corlath when he comes to Harry in the city and what does he say about what will be done next?

2. What do Harry's group and the men with Jack do after they eat breakfast and what does Jack think about where they are going and what is Senay's response to his concern?

3. What does Senay say about the filanon, and how many filanon join the group?

4. What does Jack tell Harry about where they should go, what does Harry see when she is sleeping and what does she see in the fire when she wakes up?

5. What happens to Harry as her group retreat from the Northern army?

6. Where does Corlath take Harry to stay near the palace and what does he say about the place?

7. What does Harry do after her argument with Corlath over the Outlanders?

8. How does Harry get a sword and how does she become a Rider?

9. How does Harry feel when she realizes she has lost her sash and how does Jack receive the group?

10. What does Harry and Corlath see when they drink the Water of Sight after the banquet?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

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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