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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 Philip's only hope that the Kingsbridge Cathedral will be completed?

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

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

4. What is Aliena's reaction when Jack tells her he hired Alfred?

5. What is Richard's position in Kingsbridge?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Richard decide to join the Christian crusades fighting in the Holy Land?

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

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

4. Describe Aliena's plan to get Shiring back for Richard.

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

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

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

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

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

10. Describe Prior Philip's response to William Hamleigh when he arrives in Kingsbridge with his soldiers.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Interpret the feelings Aliena and Jack have for each other when they begin their relationship.

2) Are their emotions authentic? Are they truthful with each other?

3) Compare these emotions with how they interact later in the novel, after they become parents of two children.

4) What regrets do they have as their relationship progresses through the novel?

5) How does their relationship differ from the first part of the novel?

Essay Topic 2

1) Summarize how Ken Follett uses local color and imagery to describe Kingsbridge and the cathedral.

2) Cite descriptive examples of landscaping, the monastery, the cathedral architecture, villagers, and the market.

3) How does the imagery Follett uses depict a clear and accurate picture of Kingsbridge and surrounding landscape?

Essay Topic 3

1) Evaluate the elements of cause and effect in this story using examples from the novel.

2) Choose three events and characters from the story which cause their lives to undergo a change.

3) How do the characters react to the events and their effects?

4) How do they change emotionally, financially, and spiritually because of these events?

(see the answer keys)

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