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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 Moiraine want Rand to forgo?

2. What are Juilin and Thom posing as?

3. What have some of the Aiel done?

4. Who is Valan Luca?

5. What does Rand give Aviendha as a thank you gift?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Elaida do Avriny a'Roihan.

2. What happens that gets Suian, Leane, and Min in trouble?

3. Who does Rand meet when he returns to his quarters and what does she want?

4. What disguises have Elayne, Nynaeve, Juilin and Thom adopted and who does it seem to fool?

5. What do the Shaido do in Taien and how do they violate ji'e'toh?

6. Describe how Elayne, Nynave, Thom, and Juilin find a safe means to travel.

7. What do Siuan, Leane and the Aes Sedai discuss after they are satisfied they are speaking with Siuan and Leane?

8. How does Egwene and Nynaeve obtain information about Elaida's actions?

9. What happens when Nynaeve, Elayne, Juilin and Thom ride out of Tarabon?

10. What does Gareth Bryne learn when he arrives in Lugard and what does he decide to do?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Compare/contrast Rand to Rahvin. Who seems more powerful? What are each goals? Are both either all good or all evil? Who is more likable? How do both use their political power?

2. Compare/contrast Nynaeve to Elayne. How are their goals similar and/or different? What is the difference in the way they interact with people? Who is more idealistic? Harsh? Powerful? How do their magical talents compare?

3. Compare/contrast Siuan to Leane. How do they approach their stilling in different ways? Who is more likable? Who is the more sympathetic character? Or are either? Are they both good? Evil? Or a combination?

Essay Topic 2

Politics and manipulation influence much of what happens in THE FIRES OF HEAVEN, including some of Rand's choices in response to others attempting to manipulate him. Discuss one of the following:

Describe the political situation in The Fires of Heaven and how it impacts the actions of three of the major characters.

Discuss and analyze several people who try to manipulate Rand and his responses to them.

Rand states over and over that he is only trying to fulfill his role as the Dragon Reborn and is not interested in politics. Do you think this is true or not? Discuss fully with examples. Include a discussion of how Rand could use manipulation/politics to smooth his way?

How do Siuan and Lean decide to manipulate the other Aes Sedai even after the two woman have been toppled from power and no longer have the ability to channel? Do you think they would have attempted to manipulate other Aes Sedai if they had not been Aes Sedai at one time themselves?

Essay Topic 3

THE FIRES OF HEAVEN belongs to the literary genre of fantasy fiction. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly define the term genre and offer examples of it from your own reading experience. Why do you think it is useful to categorize fiction into genres? What could be a disadvantage of doing so?

2. What do you think is the main motivation for a person to read a fantasy novel? Is entertainment a good enough reason? Are there any other reasons to read this genre? What? Explain fully.

3. In "academe," fantasy novels are often thought of as less literary than some other genres and for that reason are sometimes "snubbed" in the study of literature. Why do you think this is so? Do you agree with this "snobbery"?

(see the answer keys)

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