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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. Returning to Arthur, Derfel learns that Guinevere is ____.

2. The priest removes his disguise to reveal ____.

3. Arthur ends his pursuit at the ford and prepares for part two of the strategy, which is to draw ____ into an ambush.

4. Since Tanaburs is killed, he is said to go to the ____.

5. ____ is Nimue's accuser.

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain what Cenwin's search for scrolls reveals.

2. Explain what Queen Igraine thinks of Derfel's love for Ceinwyn and why Derfel takes offense to her opinion.

3. Who is Malldynn and what lesson can be learned from Derfel's encounter with Malldynn.

4. Describe everyone's arrival in Dumnonia after Merlin reveals himself.

5. Do you agree with Arthur's attitude towards his enemies?

6. If you were Derfel, how would you feel about your first ride on a horse being disguised as a servant?

7. Do you agree with Tewdric's reaction to the battle?

8. Explain the two main parts of the battle plan.

9. Although the book seems, originally, to be about Arthur, who is the book really about and why?

10. Explain what Arthur's reaction is when Gorfyddyd is mortally wounded and whether or not you agree with that reaction.

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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