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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 Rand ask Asmodean could be possible?

2. Who has bewitched Queen Morgase?

3. What does Moiraine want Rand to forgo?

4. Where does Elayne's brother want her to go?

5. What does Aviendha feel about the Maidens' assumption?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Elaida learn as she meets with her inner circle of advisers?

4. Why are the Maidens of the Shield carrying dolls?

5. Describe the meeting between some of the Black Ajah and Moghedien.

6. What is the sickness that has overcome many of the Aiel?

7. What does Aviendha give Rand and what is the history of the gift?

8. Who does Elayne meet in the common room of the inn; what does he want and what does Elayne do?

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

10. Who does Nynaeve meet in Tel'Aran'Rhoid and what does Nynaeve ask of this person?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The concept of honor is important to many of the cultures and characters in Jordan's Wheel of Time series. One people, the Aiel, have a very complicated system based on honor, the violation of which entails "toh." Discuss the following:

Describe the Aiel system of honor and the concept of ji'e'toh.

Besides the Aiel, who else in Shadow Rising values his/her honor? Why? Give examples.

Why do you think honor is such an important concept in THE FIRES OF HEAVEN? The Whitecloaks often violate their honor when they should value it greatly. How do they violate the concept of honor? Give examples and discuss fully.

Essay Topic 2

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"?

Essay Topic 3

THE FIRES OF HEAVEN is one book in a series of novels involving the Dragon Reborn. Discuss the following.

1. What are a couple advantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

2. What are a couple disadvantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

3. Do you prefer to read a standalone book, or a series of books with the same main characters? Explain your response.

4. Do you think it is easier or more difficult (or about the same) to write a standalone book versus one in a series? Explain your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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