View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is Alfred marrying Aliena?

2. What gift does Jack's friend, Raschid Alharoun give to him?

3. Why is Prior Philip's life in danger when he walks around the castle grounds with King Sephen?

4. What does Jack realize will stabilize the cracks in the cathedral?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the young wife of William Hamleigh.

2. What does Aliena decide to do after Alfred throws her out of the house?

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

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

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

6. Describe the scene between Jack and Alfred after Alfred tells Jack that his real father was hanged as a thief.

7. Why does Alfred force Aliena to sleep on the floor at the foot of the bed?

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

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

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) Discuss how Aliena grows as a character from the beginning of the novel to the end.

2) How do her attitudes change toward Richard, Prior Philip, Jack, and William Hamleigh?

3) How does her attitude about her quest for regaining the earldom change throughout the novel?

4) What are the differences in her attitude toward her mission in life from the beginning to the end of the novel?

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) 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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 800 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample