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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 Ranofer decide to do about Gebu?

2. Who does Gebu bring to the shop with him sometimes?

3. What is the name of the apprentice foreman?

4. What does Ranofer decide later in the week about Ibni?

5. Where does Ranofer go on his way to work in Chapter 4?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does Ranofer work and what would he rather be doing? How would you feel if you were Ranofer?

2. What does Gebu ask Ranofer and how does he respond? What does Gebu tell Ranofer?

3. What does Ranofer tell Heqet and what do they decide?

4. What does Rekh ask Ranofer to show him and then what does he tell him to do? How does Ranofer feel about this?

5. What do Heqet and Ranofer do when the Ancient joins them for lunch?

6. What does Ranofer decide is the only way to get away from Gebu and what does he want to do when he does?

7. What does Ranofer learn that makes him think about Ibni's request?

8. What does Ranofer say to Zau and what is his response?

9. How does Ranofer feel after his first day on his new job and what is his boss like?

10. What does Ranofer believe made noises in the night? How does he respond to his belief?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ranofer and Heqet argue when Heqet tries to get Ranofer to take some of his food. They are joined by the Ancient, who convinces Ranofer that taking Heqet's food would be doing him a favor. The boys then share their stories with the Ancient and include him in their growing circle of friendship.

1. Why do you think Ranofer argues with Heqet? Why do you think Heqet is insisting on his actions? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

2. Why do you think the Ancient believes Ranofer is doing Heqet a favor by taking some of his food?

3. What do you think, given the era in which this novel takes place, is meant by sharing stories? How important do you think sharing stories might be in a more primative era?

Essay Topic 2

Ranofer goes to Zau and reminds him of a time when Zau told Ranofer's father that he would like to make him a student someday. Zau admits that he remembers and tells Ranofer that he will take him on as a student and will not ask for his regular fee as long as Ranofer keeps that information from his other students. Ranofer tells Zau that he cannot quit his apprenticeship with Gebu. Zau informs Ranofer that he has his priorities messed up and he should come back when he gets his life in order.

1. Discuss the character traits that Ranofer exhibits by talking to Zau. Use examples from the book to support your answer.

2. Why do you think Zau told Ranofer he had his priorities messed up? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

3. Do you think Zau was being fair to Ranofer? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Ranofer is stuck in a situation where he is constantly afraid for his own well being and doing a job he finds desperately boring and exhausting. Heqet and the Ancient have become the only people that Ranofer can trust and rely on. It is a friendship that will hopefully help Ranofer survive Gebu's cruelty.

1. Discuss the emotional impact Gebu's abuse might have on Ranofer. Use examples from the book and your own life to support your answer.

2. What do you think Ranofer's friendship with Heqet and the Ancient might do to mitigate some of the emotional trauma Ranofer might be suffering from Gebu's abuse? Discuss the ways in which Heqet and the Ancient could help Ranofer.

3. Most children who are abused suffer many emotional, personality and physical symptoms. Citing examples from the book discuss these symptoms that are seen in Ranofer.

(see the answer keys)

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