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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 Waleran convince William to do to hinder Philip's success?

2. Why does Alfred come to see Jack after 10 years of absence?

3. What does Aliena consider when she goes to the tallest tower of the cathedral?

4. What does Aliena teach Elizabeth when they meet in church?

5. What do the townspeople of Kingbridge build to fend off William's army?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Jack angry with the conditions Philip gives him in order for him to be master builder of Kingsbridge cathedral?

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

3. Describe the reaction of the masons working on Kingbridge cathedral when Jack announces that some of them are going to be laid off.

4. What does William Hamleigh decide to do in order to increase the wealth of Shiring when he takes control after his father's death?

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

6. Summarize the first meeting between Jack and Aliena when Jack finds her reading in the woods.

7. Describe the young wife of William Hamleigh.

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

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

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

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 life of Prior Philip beginning with the death of his parents up to the point where he becomes Bishop of Kingsbridge.

2) Describe each eventful point in his life.

3) How does Philip react to each defeat and success?

4) How do his attitudes toward the church, morality, government, and his own spirituality change during the novel?

Essay Topic 3

1) Summarize the survival skills Ellen and Jack develop while living in the forest.

2) Include their methods of finding shelter, storing food, and hunting.

3) How do they protect themselves from bandits and wild animals?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 806 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample