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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 Harry think could lead to the downfall of Corlath's group?

2. About what do Corlath and Harry again argue?

3. What does Harry notice about her army as she rides back across the gap?

4. Who is Kentarre's clan?

5. What surprises Innath?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Kentarre say to Harry when Harry is getting ready to join Corlath and what does the rest of the group do about Harry leaving?

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

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

5. What does Corlath say to Harry when she returns to his camp and what is her response?

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

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

8. What does Harry ask Jack and how does Jack feel about her and her request?

9. What does Harry do as Corlath and the army are leaving Luthe's and what does Luthe say to her?

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which 3 secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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