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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. Where do Tom and Dutiful go with the Skill?

2. Who does Hap want Tom to meet?

3. How old is the Narcheska?

4. Who calls Tom telepathically after the betrothal party?

5. What did the Piebalds do to the prince?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why does Tom think of Molly when he drinks?

4. How does Tom speak with his daughter in Chapter III?

5. What does Dutiful say about the Narcheska, and what does Golden tell the prince?

6. Why has Bingtown sent ambassadors to Buckkeep?

7. What occurs shortly before the Outislanders leave Buckkeep?

8. Who is Thick, what is his ability and what does Chade want Tom to do about Thick?

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

10. How does the Narcheska enter the betrothal ceremony, what does her father do and how do the Farseers feel about his action?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the common elements of fantasy is the presence of some sort of magic. Discuss the following:

1. What sort of cultural problems do you think the United States would have if it were suddenly discovered that 1% of its population possessed magical abilities similar to the Wit or the Skill?

2. If you had a choice between having the Wit or the Skill, which would you chose? Why?

3. Would you want to part of the 1% of the population that possesses magical abilities? Why or why not?

4. Do you think most people would use their magical abilities for good or evil? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "The Golden Fool", identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in "The Golden Fool". (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "The Golden Fool". Questions that Hobb most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Hobb's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Hobb's probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Hobb and see if/where her life may have influenced her writing.

(see the answer keys)

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