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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 is the story of the Tain recorded?

2. Who is Finnbennach?

3. How many neighborhood boys does Cuchulainn defeat as a toddler?

4. How old was Cuchulainn when he saved Ulster from attacking marauders?

5. Which drunk man slept with his sister?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does Derdriu marry and how does their marriage occur?

2. What was the prophecy spoken of Derdriu?

3. How do the scholars learn the tale of the Tain in its entirety?

4. 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?

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

6. Who makes up Medb and Ailill's great army?

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

8. Why do the two pig-keepers in the story begin to compete with each other?

9. What one asset differs between the king and queen? Who is missing it and how does it make that person feel?

10. What happens when Cuchulainn realizes he has killed his son?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the primary theme of The Tain? How does the author present this theme? How does the theme develop throughout the story?

Essay Topic 2

What is a static character? What is a dynamic character? Identify two static characters and two dynamic characters from the story. Explain what about each one makes it either static or dynamic.

Essay Topic 3

What is the significance of Fergus to the story? How might the novel have differed if he had not been introduced?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 639 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample