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. How many men does Cuchulaiin's girl want him to kill at each ford?

2. Who knows the whole story of "Tain Bo Cuailnge?"

3. What is the one thing the woman who is talking in bed lacks?

4. What is the name of t he child who screamed in the womb?

5. Where is the inn in which Conchobor and his men find shelter during their hunt?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. What is a warp spasm and how does it benefit Cuchulainn when he fights the neighborhood boys as a toddler?

8. Who is Setanta?

9. Who is the first person Cuchulainn kills with the gae bolga? Explain the circumstances that result in the death.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Identify and discuss five points of foreshadowing from the novel. Did the author use foreshadowing effectively? Why or why not? Define foreshadowing in your essay 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

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 771 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample