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. What happens when Madge is in the cloud?

2. Who unlocks Thomas' shackles?

3. Why can Genosa not be touched?

4. What does Ebenezar agree to do?

5. Where is Trixie shot?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Harry calls Raith House?

2. How is Trixie killed?

3. What does Harry see when he looks at Kincaid, what does he tell Murphy to reassure her and what do they hear from the dark?

4. What does Murphy say about Lara and what is Harry's response?

5. Who shows up when Harry and Bob are talking and why?

6. What do Harry and Murphy figure out about the curse and Genosa?

7. What does Harry offer Lara for her help and what is her response?

8. What does Bob tell Harry about the people in the shelter?

9. Which of Genosa's wives are introduced and what does Thomas ask about the wife that is not introduced?

10. What does Bob tell Harry about the vampires when Harry gets home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as Blood Rites help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading Blood Rites? Why or why not?

3. Choose one specific incident in Blood Rites to discuss and compare one of the characters' response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 2

Harry Dresden is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds, he usually comes out on top, in Blood Rites and in the others in the series. Discuss the following:

1. Does having a larger-than-life hero make that person less of a hero? In other words, which is more admirable--a hero who ultimately always "lands on his feet," or one who strives against impossible odds and doesn't succeed?

2. Does a character have to be successful in order to be a hero? Explain your answer.

3. Choose one other character besides Harry who you might call a hero/heroine and explain why you choose that person.

4. Does every work of fiction have to have a hero? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which 3 secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,061 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample