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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 Palinor tell Dolca she can do?

2. What do the group who come to the convent want?

3. What is one problem about Amara as far as the nuns are concerned?

4. What seems to be helping Amara?

5. What does Josefa ask to do with Amara?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Severo think about as he falls asleep the first night of visiting Palinor and Beneditx?

2. What about Gaspar and his life does Severo think of while he is riding to see Palinor?

3. For what is Beneditx noted?

4. Why is Beneditx angry and what does he remember about his mother's anger?

5. What does Josefa do to help Amara's recovery?

6. What do Severo and Beneditx debate about and what are each of their views?

7. What did Joffre ask Palinor and what was his reply?

8. What does Palinor tell Beneditx about his view of the truth?

9. What does Severo suggest to Beneditx?

10. How does the author ask the reader to think about the island? What would those thoughts reveal?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The fiery scene that Palinor encounters, as he enters Ciudad, represents Palinor's fear of dying by fire, and his fate in hell that religious leaders believe awaits unrepentant heretics. Fire is the one connection that Palinor shares with his religious adversaries and the only thing Palinor seems to be afraid of.

1. Discuss the symbolism surrounding the scene when Palinor rides into Ciudad.

2. Discuss in detail what kind of man do you think Fra Murta is that he would have the people out on the streets with torches for Palinor to see.

3. Why is Palinor's fear of dying by fire reasonable?

Essay Topic 2

Palinor would consider anything a sin that advanced oneself at the expense of another. Sin should be left to church anyway, because churchmen have the expertise, Palinor says.

1. Discuss what behaviors might be considered sin by Palinor according to the above statement.

2. Do you agree with Palinor that sin should be left to the church? Why or why not?

3. Explain why, according to Palinor's definition of sin, his behavior with Dolca and Joffre would not be considered a sin.

Essay Topic 3

There is a glimmer of hope for the nuns as Amara takes to the litter box. Her savage nature, however, is once more revealed as she immediately is accepted into a pack of hunters' hounds.

1. Do you think it is possible for a child to be raised in the wilds and survive? Why or why not?

2. Do you think, given Amara's age, she will ever be able to act completely human? Why or why not?

3. How do you think the situation with Amara could be used to test the nature versus nurture controversy?

(see the answer keys)

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