View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Dr. Fallow reveal to September about the food she's been eating?

2. Who is ill?

3. What does September think is the reason for her hair changing?

4. What is the only sword used by September's mother?

5. What do the Tsukumogami do with September?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does it mean to be ravished?

2. Who arrives to greet the visitors to Autumn and what is special about them?

3. Where do the Marquess and September ride and what does the Marquess show September?

4. What dreams do September and Death discuss?

5. What does Nor say she might be able to make for September and what is September's response?

6. What is the Casket and who made it?

7. Where does September send Gleam and what does September do in the meantime?

8. What circles the Lonely Gaol and why?

9. Who is Mr. Map and what does he tell September?

10. How can September help Ell?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The appearance of Death in Chapter 12 is a particularly intriguing aspect of the book, in that traditionally, mythologically and spiritually, Death is perceived and/or presented as much more threatening than its portrayal here. The explanation Death offers for this is quite thought provoking, and may well trigger, in the reader, an imagining of how death might look to him/her self and to others. In any case, the concept of Death, as defined here, seems to be related to a more broadly based experience than simply the end of physical life. In many spiritual philosophies and practices, including (for example) tarot cards, death is viewed as a symbolic representation of transformation, of moving from one phase of existence into another. As such, death is often encountered, albeit in a variety of forms, on The Hero's Journey, a narrative that, in a very fundamental way, is all about transformation, about leaving an old world and old ways behind. In short, September's encounter with Death here is not about an actual physical death, but a death of a younger, more naïve, less courageous version of herself.

1. Discuss two events in a person's life that could be considered a type of death that is not physical death. Compare those to one situation in September's life. Use examples from your life and the text to support your answer.

2. Discuss the transformation which occurs in September as she moves through her journey in Fairyland. Use examples from your life and the text to support your answer.

3. Why do you think death might be viewed symbolically as a transformation in an individual's life or person? Use examples from your life and the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels end on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

There is the intriguing perspective on September's situation offered by the Green Wind - specifically, his contention that where she is in her life, and in this particular circumstance, is the result more of her own choices than those of others. It's important to note that he attaches no blame or praise, no condemnation or reward to his statement - he is merely presenting a statement of fact, a defining of September's situation in terms of personal responsibility.

1. Do you think every person has arrived at their present moment due to their own personal choices? Why or why not? Use examples from your life and the text to support your answer.

2. Discuss two choices September made that put her in at least two situations in Fairyland. Use examples from your life and the text to support your answer.

3. Discuss what you think is meant by personal responsibility including your thoughts as to what age a child should be considered responsible for his/her choices. Use examples from your life and the text to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,323 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample