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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 is Will, an Old One, fighting for?

2. Instead of presenting Will with a story, what does Merriman tell Will the book will provide for him?

3. On what horse does Old George ride during the Hunt?

4. What is another word for the hounds of doom?

5. According to George, moving water is free of what?

Short Essay Questions

1. For Will, what does the music that Paul plays on the flute mean?

2. What is strange about the gift Stephen sent to Will for Christmas?

3. Why is Hawkin amazed that the Rider has dropped him?

4. Why does Will feel torn during the Joining of the Signs section?

5. Why is the rain significant to the villagers and to Will?

6. What is the importance of the Walker's whereabouts being revealed to Will by a rook--an animal of the Dark?

7. Why is Mary's kidnapping a test for Will?

8. In what ways does the Dark's power react in the Hawk in the Dark section?

9. Why does the Dark have another chance to attack the Light?

10. What is unique about the book of Gramayre?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the role of Miss Greythorne in the story? Compare her role to that of the Lady.

Essay Topic 2

The Herne Hunt and the Wren are ancient legends that are incorporated into the Dark is Rising text. How are these two tales important to the overall plot?

Essay Topic 3

How does Will embody the hero archetype in the fantasy novel, The Dark is Rising?

(see the answer keys)

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