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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 is the village's only natural resource?

2. For what will the girls be punished at the academy?

3. What does Miri learn about one block of linder?

4. How does Britta manage to get out of working at the quarry?

5. Why do the girls blame Miri that they cannot go home?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Miri wonder about what Pa thinks about Marda not attending the academy?

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

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

4. Why does Olana punish Miri?

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

6. What conversation does Miri remember between her and Peder about linder?

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

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

9. Where does Miri want to go and what does her pa say about it?

10. How does Miri get all the girls to leave for spring holiday and how does that change the girls' attitude towards Miri?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

It is extremely selfless of Frid to take on the danger for the other girls, but Miri suspects her sacrifice may not truly help anyone in the end. She thinks it is better for them to stay together than separate, so even after being hit she offers herself up again to the bandits. All the girls join in the spirit in an attempt to confuse the bandits and protect one another. Miri's sense of fairness and right and wrong has infused the other girls with courage. Though they are terrified at least they are facing the danger together.

1. Discuss what character qualities Frid might have in view of her actions. Use examples from the text and your own experiences to support your answer.

2.

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

3. Choose one specific incident in "Princess Academy" 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 "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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