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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. Who tells Merlyn that some men attacked the leper colony?

2. During his hunting expedition, how does Merlyn make sure his kill is picked up?

3. Who challenges Merlyn to a shooting contest in Chapter 20?

4. What is Twistback's relationship with his daughter, Sheelagh, like?

5. How do Merlyn and his men feel about returning to home soil?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Merlyn's opinion of Arthur's wet nurse after he tells her that Arthur will be going to Camulod?

2. What does Merlyn find out about Ambrose's work when he returns to Camulod in Chapter 19?

3. For what reasons does Sheelagh given Merlyn such a deep kiss as she leaves to reunite with Donuil?

4. How does Merlyn react in Chapter 19 when he hears that the leper colony has been attacked?

5. Why do Merlyn's friends make him go hunting before the festivities in Chapter 21?

6. Why does Ambrose think that the snow storm in Chapter 22 might be a blessing in disguise?

7. What does Merlyn realize in Chapter 20 as he is at the shooting range to meet his brother?

8. What does Sheelagh tell Merlyn as she departs to go reunite with Donuil?

9. What does Huw tell Merlyn about Cambria in Chapter 20?

10. What does Sheelagh seem to know instinctively about her relationship with Donuil?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss at least 3 challenges an author, like Whyte, faces when writing a story that takes place so long ago in history. Make sure to use at least 3 examples from "The Saxon Shore" to support your position.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss at least 3 literary devices that Whyte uses to help the reader better understand at least one character of your choosing. Use direct quotations and/or examples from the text to support your position.

Essay Topic 3

Books about the legends of King Arthur, and The Camulod Chronicles in particular, are especially popular. Discuss at least 4 aspects of Whyte's writing style that resonates so strongly with such a large audience, citing specific examples from the text to support your thesis.

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