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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. For what reason does Thick's employer tell Thick to be careful of Tom?

2. What does Starling tell Tom about her husband?

3. What does Tom give Thick from Dutiful?

4. Why is Tom's wound so dangerous?

5. Why does Kebal want to kill Fitz or Tom?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Golden, why does Kebal hate him and what does Golden say Kebal will do if she comes to power?

2. What does Starling tell Tom about her marriage and what is his response?

3. What happens to Civil's mother and why does it happen?

4. What does Hap tell Tom about Svanja and what is Tom's response?

5. What does Tom realize about the coterie and what does Chade want to do about the coterie?

6. What does Tom tell Chade about Golden and what is Chade's response?

7. What does Golden want to do about the quest and how does Chade handle Golden and why does Chade do what he does with Golden?

8. What happens during Tom's confrontation with Laudwine, when does he see Henja and what happens to Tom right after he sees Henja?

9. What does Civil do about the meeting between the Queen and the Old Blood and how does everyone feel about his action?

10. How does Tom get Thick's red whistle to him, what does he tell Dutiful and Thick and what does Dutiful think of Thick?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Politics and manipulation influence much of what happens in Assassin's Quest, including some of Fitz's choices in response to others attempting to manipulate him. Discuss one of the following:

1. Describe the political situation in "The Golden Fool" and how it impacts the actions of three of the major characters.

2. Discuss and analyze several people who try to manipulate Fitz and his responses to them.

3. Although Fitz is considered inferior because he is a bastard, he seems to be as deep into the political situation as any of the legitimately born nobles. Discuss why you think this is so?

Essay Topic 2

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 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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