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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 can Thick do with Tom?

2. Why do the Piebalds want to keep Tom alive?

3. What does Tom find out when he spies on Civil?

4. What must Tom teach Dutiful?

5. What does the Queen give Tom?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Tom know a little about the Narcheska and what does he see about her?

2. Who goes riding with the prince and Lady Vance and what does Peottre announce?

3. What happens when Tom goes to Golden's quarters in Chapter XII?

4. What happens in Dutiful's first skill lesson?

5. What is the Piebald's goal and how do they work towards that goal?

6. Why has Bingtown sent ambassadors to Buckkeep?

7. What happens when Tom meets with the Queen in Chapter IV?

8. What does Dutiful ask Tom about Golden and what is Tom's response?

9. Why does Chade tell Tom Thick must be taught the Skill and what does Tom request of the Queen about Nettle?

10. What does Laurel tell Tom?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "The Golden Fool". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Hobb chooses the symbols she does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Hobb chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Hobb's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc.), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Hobb use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 2

Discuss one of the following:

Trace and analyze the theme of power throughout "The Golden Fool".

Trace and analyze the theme of magic throughout "The Golden Fool".

Trace and analyze the theme of evil throughout "The Golden Fool".

Essay Topic 3

In "The Golden Fool" and indeed in many fantasy novels, there are usually at least several individuals or more who have an almost fanatical devotion to a king or queen or royalty.

1. Do you believe such devotion is a sign that a person lacks character? Why or why not? Use examples to support your answer.

2. Discuss the harmful and beneficial effects of devotion to one's leader. Use examples to support your answer.

3. Do you think in modern America such dedication to the President of the United States would be very unusual? Why or why not? Use examples to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,246 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample