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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. With what does Harry arm himself?

2. What is The Archive there to discuss with Harry?

3. How does the audience receive Dresden?

4. What is Harry Dresden's occupation?

5. How does the demon the four fight tempt good humans to do evil?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Harry discuss with Sanya and Shiro?

2. Who calls Harry after he has gone to bed and what does she want?

3. What happens when Harry's suppression spell slips?

4. Who helps Harry overcome several demons after he leaves the morgue?

5. What does Father Vincent want of Harry?

6. What does Michael reveal about the demon that the men just fought?

7. Who has arrived at Harry's door, and why are they there?

8. What is Harry's reaction to the mention of the focusing coin?

9. Why does Susan interrupt the kiss between her and Harry?

10. What is a suppression spell and why does Harry have to cast it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Death Masks is one book in a series of novels involving Harry Dresden. Discuss the following.

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

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

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

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

Essay Topic 2

Many novels, and perhaps a majority, of novels ends on a happy note. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think many (most?) people want what they perceive as a happy or good ending to a novel? Explain your opinion. Do you? Why or why not?

2. What are three reasons to read fiction? Discuss each one in light of Death Masks and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why Death Masks is or is not successful in fulfilling the reasons you discuss.

3. Do you think reading solely for entertainment is as good a reason to read as any other? Why or why not? Can any work of fiction or non-fiction, no matter how poorly written, enlighten, teach, stimulate thought? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in Death Masks. 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 Butcher 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 Butcher chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Butcher's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, clifthangers, deux ex machina, etc...), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Butcher 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)

This section contains 1,018 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample