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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 do the legendary archers of Damar guide their arrows?

2. What does Harry see as she touches the thing brought out to the Riders?

3. How many Outlander soldiers follow Harry into the Hills?

4. What does Harry hear Corlath's voice say in her head?

5. What does Jack say of Harry's great-grandmother?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. 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?

3. Where are Harry, Senay, and Terim going at the beginning of Chapter 13, why are they going there and what is Harry carrying?

4. What does Jack do when he hears Harry and what does Tom Lloyd notice about Harry?

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

6. What does Harry do the first night in Luthe's hall, what does she want to know and what does he ask her?

7. What do Jack and Harry see when they look though the gap after a unnatural North wind begins to blow and what do they do?

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

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

10. What does Harry do about the wounded in Corlath's camp?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As in many fantasy novels, magic is an inherent part of a few of the characters and can be wielded by other characters, though not as an inherent aspect of their nature. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the use of kelar in "The Blue Sword". Who possesses the ability to kelar as an inherent aspect of their nature? How does the inequality between those who can use it and those who cannot impact the plot of "The Blue Sword"?

2. Why do you think magic exists in so many fantasy novels? Do you think a novel can be "fantasy" and there be no magic as a part of the storyline? Why or why not.

3. Would you desire to possess the ability to use magic if there were such a talent in our world? Why or why not? What would be the advantages and disadvantages of possessing such an ability?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Harry is in some ways a larger-than-life heroine. Despite incredible odds, she comes out on top, such as winning the laprun or destroying the Northern army. Discuss the following:

1. Does having a larger-than-life heroine make that person less of a hero? In other words, which is more admirable--a hero who ultimately always "lands on her feet," or one who strives against impossible odds and doesn't succeed?

2. Does a character have to be successful in order to be a hero? Explain your answer.

3. Choose one other character besides Harry who you might call a hero/heroine and explain why you choose that person.

4. Does every work of fiction have to have a hero? Explain your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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