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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 man who lives in the cave?

2. How long was Merlin with Ambrosius in Less Britain?

3. The distance to Galapas' cave seems ______ than before.

4. What makes Uther not believe Merlin's story?

5. Who do Merlin and Cadal find as they lead the horses through the woods?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Merlin tell Ambrosius about Lady Niniane?

2. What does Merlin see in his vision when he goes back to the crystal cave and Galapas?

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

4. Merlin wanted to go to Sergontium, but his father thought he was too weak. How did Merlin talk his father into letting him go?

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

6. What does Merlin see when he enters the cave?

7. What causes the other men in the pub to turn and to stare at Dinias and Merlin?

8. What does Merlin do in order to keep warm?

9. Why was the man killed, according to Belasius?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The theme of trickery is rampant in this novel. From men tricking men to magical trickery, it seems that no one can quite believe what they see.

Part 1 - Give three examples of trickery and deception in this story.

Part 2 - What was the result of each of these examples?

Part 3 - Was trickery necessary in these examples? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Within this book, the fate of a person being determined by one's parentage seems to be a constant theme. Many of the characters are influenced by their parents throughout their lives.

Part 1 - Describe the fate of Merlin as it relates to his parentage.

Part 2 - Describe the fate of Uther as it relates to his family situation.

Part 3 - Describe one other relationship between parent and child and how it affected both persons in the relationship.

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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