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. What does Merlyn think about Donuil's connection with Sheelagh?

2. What does Merlyn decide to leave behind as he heads to Twistback's home for dinner in Chapter 15?

3. Who comes to see Merlyn and his men off as they depart Eire?

4. How does Dergyll know that Merlyn is telling the truth about Ironhair?

5. What message does Merlyn give Dergyll when they first meet?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is Liam Twistback best known for?

3. How does Arthur's wet nurse react when Merlyn tells her that Arthur will be going to Camulod?

4. How does Sheelagh first react when she thinks Merlyn is accusing her of having dreams that come true?

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

6. What is particularly delightful about Arthur, as noted in Chapter 23?

7. What ends up happening with Sheelagh and Donuil in Chapter 23?

8. What do Merlyn and the men of Eire do to prepare themselves for the attack that they suspect is coming after one of their men disappears into the woods?

9. What happens that leads Merlyn to suspect something is wrong as he and his group depart Eire?

10. What advice does Ambrose give Merlyn in Chapter 20 when Merlyn mentions that he'd like to travel to Cambria?

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

Describe at least four negative aspects of having a protagonist as well-known (outside of the context of "The Saxon Shore") as Meryln. Make sure to use evidence from the novel to support your position.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss how the Prologue of "The Saxon Shore" 1) sets the tone for the rest of the novel and 2) introduces at least 3 key facts about Merlyn that are important throughout the rest of the text. Make sure to use direct quotations and evidence from the text to support your thesis.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 860 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample