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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 Arkon do when he enters the betrothal ceremony?

2. What can Thick do with Tom?

3. What is Tom mourning?

4. What do the Piebalds want to do?

5. How does the Narcheska make the prince feel?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Tom tell Hap about Nighteyes, how does Hap feel and why is Tom upset with Hap?

2. Why has Bingtown sent ambassadors to Buckkeep?

3. What does Dutiful want from Tom concerning the prince's betrothal party and what does he order Tom to do? How does Golden help with the prince's command to Tom?

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

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

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

7. How is Tom able to go to his cottage to retrieve his belongings and what does he find when he arrives there?

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

9. How does Dutiful insult the Narcheska?

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

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

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 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 1,297 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample