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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 Bena tell the bandits?

2. Why does Miri want to marry the prince?

3. What does Britti say she does not know about the prince?

4. What does Pa throw at Dan?

5. What do the traders bring each time they come to the village?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do the bandits want after taking over the school and how do the girls respond?

2. How do Peder and Miri interact at the ball?

3. Why does Miri decide they should run for it and what happens?

4. How does Miri learn about who Britta really is?

5. How many hostages do the bandits have and how many bandits do the villagers have, and what does Os suggest?

6. What does Britta teach Miri?

7. Describe Miri's private conversation with the prince.

8. What is the bandit leader's plans after the storm abates?

9. What happens whenever the traders come and what does Miri receive from Pa for her birthday?

10. How does Miri get help for the girls?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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).

Essay Topic 2

Titles often play a vital role in making a person decide to read a particular book. Discuss the following:

1. Fully explain why you think "Princess Academy" is titled as such. Do you think it is the best title for the book? Why or why not? Can you think of a better title? Why would you choose it?

2. How important is a title in influencing you to consider reading a book? Explain your answer.

3. Do you think a title needs to have direct relevance to a book's content? Explain your answer.

4. Have you ever read a book that when you finished, you do not understand the relevance of the title? Does it discourage you from "trusting" that particular author again?

Essay Topic 3

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 "Princess Academy" and whether or not it fulfills all three, two or one of the reasons you mention. Give examples as to why "Princess Academy" 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?

(see the answer keys)

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