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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. Where does Simon want Clary to go?

2. Who is beside Clary when she wakens?

3. What is Eric's poetry like?

4. What do Clary, Jace and Simon find when they search Luke's apartment?

5. What does Valentine steal?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Dorothea discover in Jace and Clary's tea leaves?

2. What happens when Clary gets home from the club and how does she respond?

3. What does Hodge explain to Clary about the Mortal Cup and Valentine?

4. Who does Clary notice following the girl and the blue-haired boy and what is disturbing about one of the boys?

5. What does Clary find when she goes inside her apartment?

6. Why is Simon at Luke's house and what has he seen?

7. What does Clary do when she sees the situation with the girl and the three boys?

8. What does Clary's mom want her to do and how does she respond?

9. How does Jace react to Madame Dorothea and how does Clary defend her?

10. What does Hodge tell Clary about the peace accord sixteen years ago?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

"City of Bones" is one book in a series of novels involving Clary, Jace, Simon and their families and friends. Discuss the following.

1. What are some advantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

2. What are some disadvantages of writing a series of novels about the same characters? Use examples.

3. Do you prefer to read a standalone book, or a series of books with the same main characters? Explain your response.

4. Do you think it is easier, more difficult, or about the same to write a standalone book versus one in a series? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 2

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 "City of Bones" help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading "City of Bones"? Why or why not.

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

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "City of Bones". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Clare chooses the symbols he does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Clare chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Clare's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc.), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Clare use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme.)

(see the answer keys)

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