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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. In what year do the Tartars attack Poland?

2. What story does Pan Andrew tell Joseph when Joseph accompanies him to his new place of work for the first time?

3. Krakow welcomes which group of people?

4. Who hears the instructions given to Stas by the stranger?

5. When Jan Kanty hears Joseph tell his parents that he found a place for them to stay, on what does Jan Kanty insist?

Short Essay Questions

1. What was the meeting between Joseph and Stas like in the courtyard as described in Chapter 6?

2. Describe why the last note the trumpeter plays is broken.

3. In Chapter 8, what reason does Joseph give Elzbietka for why the scholar they see is not speaking at the University?

4. Why does Joseph catch the wolf dog in Chapter 2?

5. Explain how the Polish people feel as they have to leave their villages because they know the Tartars are arriving.

6. In Chapter 8, Stas identifies Joseph and Elzbietka to a stranger. What information does he provide to the stranger?

7. What are the aspects of Pan Andrew's job?

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

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

10. Describe the caravan from Chapter 1.

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

Discuss how the author presents the social class structure in Krakow in 1461. Does the author's description of these social classes sound like it was an effective way of conducting society? Does his description make it sound like an individual could easily change social classes? Give examples to support your conclusion.

Essay Topic 3

What do you think about the throwing of the crystal into the river? Why do you think the author concludes in this manner? Do you think the act of throwing the crystal away is symbolism for a cultural belief? If so, what do you think that symbolism is?

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