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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. With what does Harry ride?

2. Who do the legendary archers of Damar guide their arrows?

3. Why does Corlath want to keep Harry's sash?

4. What does Harry ride for several days to practice fighting?

5. Who is Kentarre?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Harry do to defeat the Northern army?

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

3. 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?

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

5. How does Harry feel about the city, what does the city look like, how do the people respond to her and where does Mathin leave her?

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

7. 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?

8. How does Harry get into Jack's residence?

9. Who joins the group at a lunch stop and what does she tell Harry?

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

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think "The Blue Sword" is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

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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