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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 is the master engineer?

2. What god is associated with the bull?

3. What has Merlin heard?

4. Ambrosius asks Merlin if he has seen what?

5. What is Merlin taught to be like in order to avoid troubles?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Dinias say about the pub to which he invites Merlin?

2. What do Merlin and Cadal find when they arrive back at Galapas' cave?

3. What does Merlin witness when he goes to the island in the bay?

4. When does the King storm out of the court?

5. What does Merlin have a vision of when he goes back to talk with Ambrosius?

6. Describe a typical day in Sergontium when Merlin and the rest go there.

7. Why does Ulfin go to Belasius to tell him that Merlin needs a new pony?

8. What does Cerdic do when he sees the cut on Merlin's face?

9. What does Galapas do when Merlin asks him to show him how to see visions?

10. How might Merlin's memory be described?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At many times, Merlin seems to work "magic" on others through his words and not through physical or magical trickery.

Part 1 -Describe the way in which Merlin battles with Marric and Hanno on the boat.

Part 2 - How does Merlin use words to save himself?

Part 3 - In what others ways does Merlin use his wits to save his life? Describe specific examples from the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Foreshadowing plays a major role in this novel, giving the characters a sense of what might happen as well as helping the reader to see how the story may or may not unfold.

Part 1 - Give at least three examples of foreshadowing in the novel.

Part 2 - Describe each example of foreshadowing, the setting, and whether it came true the way it was perceived.

Part 3 - Why do you think foreshadowing is used in this story? What does it contribute to the story? To the characters? To the outcomes?

Essay Topic 3

The Crystal Cave is not only the title, but also a major setting in this story. To Merlin, it is a sort of birthplace for his powers and also a place where he restores himself.

Part 1 - Describe the appearance of the Crystal Cave and how Merlin came to find it in the first place.

Part 2 - Give at least 3 examples of lessons Merlin learned while in the Crystal Cave.

Part 3 - What do you think the Crystal Cave represents in the story? What is the larger metaphor for the cave's presence?

(see the answer keys)

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