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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. Why does Juan Manuel de Ayala lead Perenelle into the shadows?

2. What is Niccolo's main interest in the Elders?

3. What had Josh seen three days earlier for the first time ever?

4. About what does the Sphinx wonder aloud?

5. Who does Juan Manuel de Ayala say is coming for Perenelle?

Short Essay Questions

1. What makes Josh realize he has changed?

2. What does Cernunnos do in Chapter 61, and what is Dee's reaction?

3. Who lands on Alcatrz and whom do the newcomers first encounter?

4. Who is responsible for the poisoned flies and what does he realize?

5. What does the young man in a green parka do at the train station?

6. What is Palamedes and the Green Knights work and when do they fight the Dark Elders?

7. What does Palamedes decide it is time to do? How do Palamedes and Nicholas aid Shakespeare?

8. Where does Dee find Excalibur; how does he use Excalibur as a "compass" and what does he know about Clarent and its influence on Josh?

9. What does Bastet say about freeing Mars?

10. How do Billy and the Kid and Machiavelli realize they have been tricked by the Crow Goddess?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in The Sorceress. Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Scott chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Scott chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Scott's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliff hangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Scott use too many or too few literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 2

Characters are an important part of what makes The Sorceress interesting. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Nicholas. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Perenelle. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

3. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the character of Sophie. What are her strengths? Her weaknesses? How does she contribute to the plot? Is she a sympathetic character? Is she ever likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

4. Thoroughly discuss and analyze Josh. What are his strengths? His weaknesses? How does he contribute to the plot? Is he a sympathetic character? Is he always likable? Never likable? Use specific examples to illustrate your ideas.

Essay Topic 3

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think The Sorceress is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

(see the answer keys)

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