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. When Joseph and Elzbietka turn on to the Street of Pigeons after Elzbietka's question about women studying, who identifies them to someone else?

2. What is the new last name of the Charnetski family?

3. During their first meeting, what offer of Jan Kanty's does Pan Andrew make he declines?

4. When Elzbietka asks Joseph why women are not allowed to study at the university, what is his answer?

5. Which best describes the Tartars' religious belief?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the reader learn about the stranger in Chapter 8?

2. Explain the feelings of the trumpeter as he plays for the last time.

3. What does Pan Andrew explain to Jan Kanty in Chapter 4 once the mob scene has dissipated?

4. Explain why many people seek Jan Kanty's advice.

5. How does Joseph know that the stranger is an enemy in Chapter 1?

6. In Chapter 9, is Peter of the Button Face successful in obtaining the treasure?

7. Why do the Polish people decide not to defend Krakow and let the Tartars pillage their city?

8. Describe the oath that the trumpeter takes.

9. Describe the agreement that Elzbietka and Joseph make to one another when in the tower in Chapter 8.

10. Describe the Tartars.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses both foreshadowing and suspense throughout the book. Explain which one is more effective as a literary device, which one you enjoy reading more, and reasons why.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the conflict between superstition and science in the novel. Do you think this was an important issue to the author? What is he trying to portray by returning to this conflict? Does the conflict seem relevant to the main theme of the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Did you like the author's use of science as he describes how Kreutz frightens Peter of the Button Face with the explosions? Why or why not? Was this combination of attacking with science believable? Was it consistent with the belief in magic at the time? Or do you think this scene was used by the author to prove that science triumphs over superstition and sorcery? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 871 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample