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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. Why does the king ask Theseus to take his life?

2. What is one place that Theseus finds useful on his way to meet his lover?

3. Who are the children of the king and queen of Crete?

4. Why does Theseus not accept the gifts at the dinner party?

5. What does one of the girl dancers confess to Theseus?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain what Theseus learns about the customs and prophesies of the Creates.

2. Describe what Theseus does when the men from Crete come for their tribute and why.

3. Explain what the old woman in Aigeus' kingdom says to Theseus.

4. Explain what Theseus learns about Asterion's true identity.

5. Describe the House of the Axe and how Theseus feels about being there.

6. Explain the relationship between Theseus and Ariadne.

7. Explain why Theseus is chosen to be the leader of the cranes.

8. Describe King Minos and what he tells Theseus in their first meeting.

9. Evaluate how much Theseus has grown as a leader in Crete.

10. Explain what happens to make Theseus force the cranes to renew their vows to each other.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Aigeus is Theseus' father and the king of Athens; their relationship is an important element to the novel.

Part 1) Compare and contrast the characters of Aigeus and Theseus. How are they similar? How are they different. Give some examples from the text.

Part 2) Explain whether you believe it a good thing that Aigeus sent Theseus away as a child. Should he have tried to raise him?

Part 3) Who do you think should have been the ruler in the end if Aigeus hadn't committed suicide? Aigeus or Theseus?

Essay Topic 2

King Minos is the ruler of Crete, Theseus is also a leader and ruler of many people.

Part 1) Compare and contrast the characters of Minos and Theseus. How are they similar and how are they different as rulers?

Part 2) Explain why Minos' character is important to the story. How does he affect Theseus?

Part 3) Besides Theseus, what ruler from the story do you like the most and why (Aigeus, Pittheus, Persephone, Asterion, Minos)?

Essay Topic 3

What would you have done if you were forced to become a bull dancer? Would you have taken a leadership position like Theseus? What position would you have preferred to have and why (either leaper, chaser, or catcher)?

(see the answer keys)

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