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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 the number of thrones on the dais that are empty at the High Council.

2. Ban insists that Derfel stay for dinner to meet his warrior sons, Lancelot and ____.

3. A temple to ____ is being rebuilt by the Christians as an artless chapel for Mordred.

4. Pagan and Christian leaders agree that Arthur should marry Ceinwyn and keep Guinevere as his ____.

5. ____ is the name of the queen.

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Mordred escape death at Gundleus' hands?

3. Why does Derfel understand, and even respect, Arthur's plan to elope?

4. Explain why Arthur plans to marry Ceinwyn and whether or not you agree with that decision.

5. Describe the baby that is born at the start of the novel.

6. Do you think that it was right for the babies to be switched before Gundleus arrived?

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

8. Explain the consequences of Arthur marrying Guinevere.

9. Describe the religious focus of Chapter 2.

10. Explain why Uther holds the first High Council in Britain in sixty years.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One of the major themes of the book is religion.

Part 1: Explain how religion fuels war in the novel.

Part 2: Choose any time in the character when religious lines seem blurred and describe it.

Part 3: Derfel goes through a religious transformation, as the story progresses. Describe what religion he starts out a member of, what religion he winds up a member of and why you feel that transformation took place. Do you feel that it was a good transformation? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Tristan brings to light the topic of standing up for what we think is right, despite what others, especially parents or elders, think.

Part 1: Do you think that Tristan was right to defy his father? Why or why not?

Part 2: What could the consequences be for Tristan's actions and what might the consequences have been for not following his instincts?

Part 3: List 3 present-day situations where it might be necessary to follow one's own instincts, despite what parents or elders might say.

Essay Topic 3

Choose the character that you feel changed the most, as the story progressed, and answer the following questions about them:

1. What were they like in the beginning of the story?

2. What were they like at the end of the story?

3. When and why do you think the transition took place?

4. Do you feel that it was a good transition? Use at least two examples from the story to explain why or why not.

(see the answer keys)

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