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

2. In what month are Theseus and his kinsmen allowed to see a bull dance for the first time?

3. Why does Theseus' lover begin to cry?

4. Why is Theseus proclaimed the leader of the bull dancers in Crete?

5. During the bull dance, where do Theseus and another of the dancers get caught?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe what Theseus and the cranes do to cause a scene when they arrive at Crete.

2. Evaluate Theseus' feelings after taking the king's life.

3. Describe an incident in Crete where Theseus shows compassion.

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

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

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

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

8. Define the relationship between Theseus and the cranes.

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

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

The King Must Die is based on the legend of Theseus.

Part 1) How different would the story be if it was written just like the legend?

Part 2) Which version do you prefer and why?

Part 3) Do you think the legend could be true, or what aspects of the story do you believe to be true?

Essay Topic 2

The connection between Theseus and Poseidon is essential to the plot of the book, because Poseidon affects Theseus' entire life. Describe the connection between Poseidon and Theseus, and cite examples from the book. Describe attributes that Theseus has gained from his connection to Poseidon. Explain how Poseidon has affected Theseus' life, and cite several examples from the book.

Essay Topic 3

Moira is an important symbol throughout The King Must Die. Theseus his dedicated to his belief of moira.

Part 1) Define moira, citing examples from the text where it's described.

Part 2) Explain how Theseus' belief in moira gives him freedom and how it hinders him.

Part 3) Describe how Theseus' belief in moira changes throughout the novel. Is he as passionate in the end of the novel as he is in the beginning?

(see the answer keys)

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