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. What do the small dog and figure wearing a strange and grubby coat and a brimmed hat in the beginning of the novel share?

2. Pin and Tulip visit Thaumaturgical Park next to the UU to buy what?

3. William and Sacharissa are interrupted in the beginning of the novel by a short and red-faced man who presents which possible story idea?

4. The author writes in the beginning of the novel that William has always been troubled by the nature of _________.

5. Who is generally acknowledged to be the leader of the Misbegot Bridge Crew?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to the thief who accosts Pin and Tulip in pages 98-126? What "prize" does Tulip gain?

2. How does the discussion between William and the Patrician in pages 64-98 illuminate the theme of truth?

3. What reporter does William hire in pages 32-64? How is she described?

4. Why does William go to the engravers in the beginning of the novel? How is the engraver's office described?

5. How is the theme of racism illustrated through William's hiring Otto Chriek?

6. How do the Patrician and William meet? How do they differ on the value of letters?

7. How are Tulip and Pin described in the narrative? What was Pratchett's inspiration for the characters?

8. Describe the narrative style of The Truth. What stylistic elements depart from traditional format?

9. What clues does William discover and expand on in the Oblong Office in pages 98-126?

10. What elements of foreshadowing can be found in pages 98-126? What objects are highlighted in this section?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss William's views on words and communication in the novel. What drives William to be a newsman? What compels his character toward representation of the truth?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the character of Otto Chriek in the narrative. Upon what literary creature is Crank based? What is satire? How does satire apply to Otto?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the characters of William de Worde and Lord Havelock Vetinari. What differences are there in age, stature, power, etc.? What similarities can be seen in the characteristics of each?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 972 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample