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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 Covenant see in Elena's face?

2. What is the Seventh Lore of Kevin's?

3. Who helps Troy?

4. Who surrounds Troy when he starts to walk?

5. What bargain does Covenant make with himself?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Troy wonder if he will ever sleep again?

2. What happens to one of the Ranyhyn and what does Elena do?

3. What is Troy's strategy for his army at the opening of Chapter 19?

4. To what does Amok agree and why does Elena want to go with Amok?

5. How do Covenant and Elena finally learn the name of the Seventh Ward?

6. What happens as Troy begins to walk in what he thinks is the correct direction to find his men?

7. What is Caerroil Wildwood's agreement with Troy and who objects?

8. Who does Elena choose for the trip with Amok and how does Troy react?

9. How does Covenant feel after refusing Elena's sexual advances?

10. What information is the Council finally able to coax out of Amok, and what do some of the Council members think about what they learn?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of interesting questions raised by The Illearth War. Questions that Donaldson 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 Donaldson' agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Donaldson' 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 Donaldson and see if/where his life may have influenced his writing.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which 3 secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of The Illearth War and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why The Illearth War is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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