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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. Why does the village decide to raise linder prices?

2. What do the girls discuss on their way back to the academy?

3. What does Miri say about Enrik?

4. What does Miri doubt she could do when she is musing about the prince?

5. Where is Enrik's home?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do Miri and Britta share at the council meeting, and what is the result?

2. What more does Miri learn about quarry-speech and Linder from Marda and her pa?

3. What did Pa want to name Miri and why didn't he do so?

4. What is Miri's reaction to quarry speech?

5. Why did Miri feel isolated from other girls her age and how is being at the academy changing that?

6. How does Miri use Diplomacy when they return to the academy and what is Olana's response?

7. What is linder and why has Miri not been allowed in the linder mines?

8. What does Miri hear some other girls discussing about her, and what does Miri think?

9. How does Miri decide to tell of her experience in the closet and how does that affect Gerti?

10. What does Miri explain to Britta about spring holiday and what do they talk about concerning quarry speech?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1. What is a plot? What are the most important elements of a plot and their definition? Do all novels have a plot? Why or why not?

2. Write a brief synopsis of the plot of "Princess Academy", identifying where the various elements of the plot occur (Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Do you find it difficult to identify the plot? Why or why not? What about the various elements of the plot?

3. Identify the major sub-plots and their elements in "Princess Academy". (The subplots may not contain every element of a major plot). Do the sub-plots add to the main plot? Why or why not. Are the sub-plots interesting in and of themselves? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Over the course of Princess Academy, Miri grows as a person in both complexity and understanding. "Princess Academy" might be considered a slice of Miri's larger story of her "coming of age." It might be said that "Princess Academy" is a "bildungsroman" of Miri. Discuss the following:

1. Define Bildungsroman, or "Coming of Age," and give several examples from literature you have read.

2. Trace and analyze the character of Miri as she changes from a more carefree, innocent girl to a wiser, young woman. What are the significant events that change Miri?

3. After thoroughly analyzing Miri's growth throughout Princess Academy, do you think "Princess Academy" could be considered Miri's Coming of Age story? Why or why not?

4. Are there any other characters in "Princess Academy" who go through a Coming of Age experience? Who? Why do you think so?

Essay Topic 3

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "Princess Academy". 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 Hale 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 Hale chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Hale'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 Hale 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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