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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. ____ is where the princess went into labor.

2. ____ is the name of the place that the queen at the start of the story is from.

3. Gundleus goes to battle the ____.

4. Owain talks about falsifying tax records and plots with a greedy ____.

5. A notorious ____, King Leodegan of Henis Wyren is sent to greet them.

Short Essay Questions

1. What gift does Ceinwyn give to Derfel, why does she give it, and why does it have significance to Derfel?

2. Describe the opening of the novel.

3. Why does Arthur ask Derfel to check on Guinevere?

4. Explain Derfel's inner conflict when Tristan arrives demanding justice for the tin miners.

5. Explain why Arthur does not fight Owain with Excalibur and how Arthur has an advantage in the fight anyway.

6. Explain how Guinevere's discussion with Derfel about her feelings for Gorfyddyd upset Derfel and how Derfel handles the situation.

7. Explain the High Council's attitude toward what is going on with Arthur and Mordred as they hold their meeting.

8. Explain the ceremonial process of baby Mordred becoming king.

9. Explaina Arthur's role in Dumnonia as he prepares to leave to winter in Corinium.

10. Describe the character of Derfel and his role as the novel opens..

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

War is a huge part of the book. Answer the following questions about war in general.

1. What are two reasons that you think the war in the book took place?

2. What are two reasons that wars are started in modern times?

3. Are the reasons for war in Arthur's time still used to start wars today? Why or why not?

4. Do you feel that wars ever actually accomplish anything? In other words, are some wars justifiable, or do all of them just lead to more trouble?

Essay Topic 2

Choose any one of the following 5 characters and describe one example, in detail, of how they played a major role in the story. Also, explain whether or not you agree with their actions at that point in the story and why. If not, what would you have done differently?

1. Nimue

2. Morgan

3. Merlin

4. Ceinwyn

5. Guinevere

Essay Topic 3

The female characters in the story, such as Ceinwyn, are often used as pawns in a bid to win power or unite kingdoms. Write a detailed essay describing two times where that occurred in the novel and also describing how you feel about the women being used in such a way. Would you have done something differently, if you were in charge of the situation? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 981 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample