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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. When the 12 men see the explosions, who do they tell their leader they are afraid of?

2. With what does Peter threaten Pan Andrew while in the tower?

3. What is the best description of the explosions referenced in the Charnetskis' apartment?

4. What best describes how the music is played in the Epilogue?

5. Which statement best describes what the king does with Peter of the Button Face?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who leaves the tower to fight the fire and who fills in for him in Chapter 14?

2. As of 1928, as described in the Epilogue, why do people go to the city of Krakow?

3. Explain what happens after Kreutz grabs the crystal from the king's hands.

4. What does Pan Andrew tell the king about the Great Tarnov Crystal in Chapter 15?

5. When Elzbietka hears the Heynal played in its entirety as described in Chapter 12, where is she and what does she do?

6. What does Peter of the Button Face say to the king regarding why he is in Krakow in Chapter 15?

7. As Peter tries to escape in Chapter 10, what does Kreutz do?

8. After Peter and his men are arrested and Joseph returns to the tower in Chapter 12, what is it that confuses Pan Andrew?

9. In Chapter 10, Peter of the Button Face is scared as he watches red balls of fire fall. Despite his fear, what does he do?

10. Describe how the Epilogue explains the Heynal is played.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss what you think is the climax of the novel. Does more than one climax exist? Which do you think is the most effective? As you were reading, did you think that the book was almost over? Was the multiple use of exciting scenes effective in making the novel exciting for the reader?

Essay Topic 2

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?

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?

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