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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 is frightened by Cuchulainn's tree-chopping?

2. What is the name that Cuchulainn is first called?

3. How does the toddler Cuchulainn defeat the neighborhood boys?

4. Who kills Cuchulainn's son?

5. Who does Fergus want to marry?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the owner of the prized possession think about the exchange offer and what is the ultimate result of it?

2. How does Emer's father plan to get rid of Cuchulainn? What is the result?

3. What does Fergus say about Cuchulainn's childhood?

4. Describe the discussion between Ailill and Medb and what does it result in?

5. Why do the poets of Ireland gather in the section called "Before the Tain?"

6. Why does Cuchulainn spare Orlam's charioteer, then kill him later?

7. What three tasks does Emer require her suitor to complete?

8. Name three creatures that become involved in the epic battle between the two pig-keepers.

9. Why were the men of Ulster defenseless against a group of invading marauders? Why wasn't Cuchulainn affected?

10. What is the prized possession being sought because of the king and queen's talk and where is it? What is offered in exchange for it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Name three women from the novel and tell how each was important to the story. Give a brief character description of each as well.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the protagonist in The Tain. Discuss the antagonist. Is there ever a time in the novel when it seems like they have reversed roles? Use the definition for the terms in your response.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the qualifications of Thomas Kinsella as a translator. What makes him an authority on the translation of The Tain.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 709 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample