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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. How do the Guardians feel when Essun draws the magic from their corestones?

2. What does the onyx obelisk recognize in Essun that persuades it to side with her when she resists Nassun at Corepoint?

3. What does Hoa say would have happened if the Plutonic Engine had been activated?

4. Who is the last Guardian to die?

5. Why does Essun need to get to Corepoint shortly after arriving in Rennanis?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Houwha believe that the other Conductors disrespected Gallat?

2. Why does Essun give Nassun control of the Obelisk Gate?

3. Where did the tuners go on their trip to Site Zero?

4. How does Kelenli describe the relationship between the tuners and the Niess when she explains the history of the Niess to the tuners?

5. What does the Earth do after it agrees to peace with humanity?

6. Why does Essun object when Danel uses the word rogga during their last conversation before entering the desert?

7. Who goes to Corepoint with Essun?

8. While walking with Gallat to the tuners' third lesson, Houwha realized that Gallat wanted Kelenli to do something. What was it?

9. Who interrupts Nassun as she attempts to activate the Obelisk Gate?

10. What does Lerna notice about Essun once everyone is settled in Rennanis?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay describing how Jemisin develops the theme of racism’s beginnings. What social and physical factors lead to racial prejudice in the setting of the novel? How are racist systems perpetuated from one generation to the next? How are racist systems enforced?

Essay Topic 2

Characters in the novel are deeply tied to the geography of the world around them. Some geographical features, such as the Stone Forest and the twin calderas surrounding the Station, serve as the backdrop for major story moments. Choose one geographical feature from the text and analyze the role it plays in the plot. What logistical challenges does it introduce for the characters? What social or psychological struggles follow from the presence of this geographical feature?

Essay Topic 3

Describe Essun’s character and describe how her experiences with Castrima prepared her for the final confrontation with Nassun at Corepoint. How did her time with Castrima contribute to her state of mind? What was the effect of bringing her companions along? How did the journey influence her decisions in the conflict with Nassun?

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