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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. Which description best describes the Tarnov Crystal?

2. What does Joseph do before he leaves the tower in Chapter 11?

3. What piece of music is being played?

4. Who is Krakus?

5. With what does Peter threaten Joseph before he sends him away with Michael?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the chief glory of the city of Krakow as it is explained in the Epilogue.

2. Explain what happens to the Charnetski family at the end of Chapter 16.

3. What sounds does the Epilogue say one hears coming from the church?

4. In Chapter 10, what happens on the rickety stairway that leads to the Charnetski family apartment?

5. What is Kreutz's explanation to Tring for how he obtained the crystal?

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

7. What is the threat Peter of the Button Face gives to Joseph before Michael the Snake takes Joseph from the tower in Chapter 11?

8. In Chapter 13, what is Tring's reaction when he sees the Great Tarnov Crystal in the middle of Kreutz's loft?

9. Describe how the people of Krakow put out fires in general and in Chapter 14.

10. What do Jan Kanty and the king decide to do about the crystal in Chapter 16?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Joseph's bravery. Does his character description make for an exciting hero? Is his character believable? Are there other characters who show bravery that you preferred in the novel? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

What historical understanding about the Middle Ages did you gain from reading this novel? Do you think that this type of history presentation is an effective way of teaching the subject matter? Why or why not? Would you have preferred to learn about Krakow from a text book?

Essay Topic 3

How does the fact that the peasants' dependence upon agriculture as described in the book exacerbates the conflict between superstition and science in the novel?

(see the answer keys)

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