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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. Of what land is the Narcheska princess?

2. What does Jinna tell Tom about Hap?

3. What does Dutiful say to Lady Vance that the Narcheska overhears?

4. What does Peottre put on the Narcheska's back?

5. What does the Narcheska say Dutiful must do?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Tom see and hear when he spies on the Narcheska?

3. What does Laurel tell Tom?

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

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

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

7. What does the boy from Bingtown ask Tom and what does he tell Tom?

8. What conversation does Tom over hear at the beginning of Chapter VI and what is his response?

9. Why has Bingtown sent ambassadors to Buckkeep?

10. Why does Tom and Dutiful meet at the castle, what does Tom remember about his skill teacher and what does Tom tell Dutiful?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which 3 secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think The Golden Fool is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

Essay Topic 3

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).

(see the answer keys)

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