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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. Who is the last Grandslayer to arrive at the inquest?

2. For what scythe is Rowan mistaken after the inquest?

3. Who is the first person to greet Greyson at the Tonist monastery?

4. How much of her body does Scythe Rand report was burned?

5. How many of the attackers on the theater hail from Texas?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the backup plan for the distraction at the assault on Scythes Curie and Anastasia at the theater? Why is it the backup plan (264-65)?

2. What information does Rowan have about Texas when he awakens in captivity there (246)?

3. What requirements does the Thunderhead express for a new Grandslayer to be installed?

4. What reasons does the Thunderhead give for disliking having its “backbrain” searched?

5. What distinction is noted between previous conclaves’ security and that of the conclave of January 7, Year of the Raptor?

6. What is present in the room to which Greyson is led when he arrives at the Tonist monastery?

7. What does the Thunderhead aver that it does not know?

8. What reasons are given for the difficulty the novel’s characters have with mortal artwork (263)?

9. What problems does Rowan identify in his attempt to escape Endura?

10. Briefly detail the symbolism of Scythe Anastasia’s inquest being scheduled for hearing on April 1.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Thunderhead remarks that “although I do not require devotion, am I not deserving of it?” as it considers its status relative to the deities worshipped in its past (158). Based on the text leading up to the comment—the beginning of the novel through Chapter 15, “Hall of the Founders”—is the Thunderhead correct? How or how not, and to what extent?

Essay Topic 2

Consider the following passage: “‘He didn’t go out with the garbage,’ Scythe Rand said. ‘I took care of it myself, then spread his ashes in a field of wild bluebonnets. Just saying” (306). Assuming that Rand is being truthful, what does the passage imply about her? What in the text affirms the implication? How is the implication supported?

Essay Topic 3

Consider the following exchange:

“Yes, but the crystalline appearance of the tower pinnacles is beautiful, isn’t it?”

Xenocrates harrumphed at that. “Isn’t form supposed to follow function?”

“Not in the scythedom,” replied his valet (408).

Does the novel as a whole support the assertion? What in the text suggests whether it does or not? How does it do so?

(see the answer keys)

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