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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. What does Ged see on the island?

2. Why does Ged want to go to Roke?

3. How does Ged try to get past the storm?

4. What tells Ged he is heading in the right direction?

5. To what part of Iffish does Ged go?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does it symbolize that Ged cannot get back to Roke?

2. Is Ged romantically interested in Yarrow?

3. Why does Ged seek security at Roke and not in his hometown in Gont?

4. In what way does Ged show he is still not mature enough to defeat the Shadow?

5. Why does LeGuin change the point of view from Ged to Ogion?

6. Why is it significant Ged goes back to see his original teacher?

7. Has Ged completed a full circle of his life?

8. Why do you think the Shadow runs away after Ged tries to grab it?

9. Why does Pechvarry act so negatively towards Ged?

10. How does Ged know he is going in the right direction?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ursula Le Guin is famous as a feminist science fiction and fantasy writer. How do you think she portrays her female characters in this book? Why do you think she has so few female characters? Do think this is a statement in itself?

Essay Topic 2

Ged builds some lasting friendships, but he also makes enemies. One of these enemies is Jasper. Discuss the importance of Jasper as a character. What purpose does he serve in the story? How is he important to Ged's development? Why do you think Le Guin does not bring him him back to the story.

Essay Topic 3

In the novel, Ged has two choices--join the dark side or join the good side.

1) Who represents the good and dark sides in each part of the novel? What is each side working towards? Is Ged ever tempted to join the dark side?

2) Why do you think the Shadow appears? Does Le Guin foreshadow its presence? Is so, how?

3) What is it about Ged's character and upbringing that means he has to fight and defeat his darkside? Why do none of the other characters seem to have a similar problem?

(see the answer keys)

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