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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 the Narcheska say about Bingtown?

2. What does Peottre do with the gown given to Narcheska for the ball?

3. What does Bingtown want to do with Chalced?

4. What does Chade say about Nettle?

5. What does Svanja's father say to Tom?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What occurs shortly before the Outislanders leave Buckkeep?

3. Why has Bingtown sent ambassadors to Buckkeep?

4. 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?

5. Why is Tom sad at the beginning of the book, and what does Lord Golden say about Tom's sadness?

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

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

8. Who is Starling, where does Tom see her and what happens after Jinna's when Tom leaves Starling?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Most fantasy novels, and in some sense, most novels, deal with the concept of good and evil. Discuss the following:

1. What are the forces allied with "good" in "The Golden Fool's" world and what forces are allied with "evil"?

2. How does one distinguish good from evil? How is good distinguished from evil in "The Golden Fool's" world?

3.Is there a universal consensus on what constitutes good or evil? Why or why not?

4. Do you generally agree with the ideas of good and evil in "The Golden Fool"? Why or why not?

5. What are several examples of good and evil in your culture? Do you agree with these ideas? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

In "The Golden Fool" it appears that most of the true heroics are done by men. This type of stereotyping is changing and women are being given more and more active, heroic and physical roles in fantasy novels.

1. Discuss in detail, with examples, the various heroic qualities that are seen in Queen Kettricken.

2. Discuss in detail, with examples, the various heroic qualities that are seen in Laurel.

3. Discuss in detail, with examples, the various heroic qualities that are seen in Jinna.

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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