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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 Alfred throw Aliena out of the house?

2. Who convinces Waleran to block Aliena's annulment from Alfred?

3. What changes does the new master builder make to the plans for the cathedral?

4. What does Philip respond to William's accusations?

5. What does Tom see when he goes to the top wall of the cathedral to save Jonathan?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Ellen find a way into Jack's cell after the monks lock him up for talking to Aliena?

2. What happens when Jack and Aliena bring the Weeping Madonna, which was a gift from Jack's friend, Raschid, to Kingsbridge?

3. What does Waleran tell William he should do in order to earn more money for the earldom?

4. Why does Alfred come to see Jack after 10 years with no communication?

5. How is William's mismanagement of Shiring evident throughout the countryside?

6. Why does Jack invent an ingenious cloth felter for Aliena?

7. What is Aliena's idea involving the starving outlaws who attack Kingsbridge in the search for food?

8. What are the consequences for Prior Philip when Maud's men defeat King Stephen?

9. Summarize what takes place when William Hamleigh and his men attack the Kingsbridge market.

10. What are the changes Alfred proposes for the cathedral when Philip names him as master builder?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Compare the characters of Aliena and Richard.

2) Which character gives more to their relationship? Explain using examples from the novel.

3) How do their views differ on life, responsibilities, marriage, and duty?

4) Which character is more realistic in his or her view of life? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

1) Summarize the events that led up to Philip's raising Jonathan in the monastery?

2) How do these events relate to the plot of the story?

3) How do the events affect the characters in the novel? Cite examples from the novel to support the answer.

Essay Topic 3

1) Imagine you are an historian reading Pillars of the Earth. Would you see the story as historically accurate?

2) Use details from the story to support your answer.

3) What plot or setting descriptions would you change to make it more historically accurate?

4) Are the historical figures, such as King Henry and Thomas Beckett, depicted accurately? Support the answer with examples from the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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