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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 Theseus think of the person who tells him the gods favor him?

2. How long does the war last?

3. What is the king wearing when the Theseus and his kinsmen first see him in the House of the Axe?

4. What is the life expectancy of a bull dancer?

5. What is the name of the girl wearing a goddess outfit in Crete that Theseus is attracted to?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Explain why Theseus' bull, Herakles, was acting funny.

5. Explain what Theseus does that makes Ariadne cry in Book 4: Chapter 7.

6. Recall what Theseus learns about bull dancing while traveling to Crete.

7. Explain why Asterion might have a grievance against Theseus.

8. Define the relationship between Theseus and the cranes.

9. Describe bull dancing, concentrating on the different roles of each dancer.

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

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

In Eleusis Queen Persephone rules, and the people care nothing for the king. Queen Persephone is very intelligent and powerful.

Part 1) Describe what kind of leader the queen is. What are her beliefs, strengths and weaknesses?

Part 2) Describe how Queen Persephone's character changes throughout the story; cite examples from the text.

Part 3) Explain how Queen Persephone is important to the overall story and how she has affected Theseus' life; cite examples from the text.

Essay Topic 3

Theseus' great leadership brings loyalty from his men. There are many different examples of leaders commanding respect and using power throughout the novel. Explain how being a great leader can bring loyalty, citing examples from the text. Theseus and Asterion are both leaders. Compare the different ways they command respect using examples.

(see the answer keys)

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