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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 unique about Billy, physically?

2. Does Peter love Casey?

3. Who does Ronin meet up with in Central Park?

4. Which weapon does Casey refuse to give up in Chapter 3?

5. What does the gang leader offer Ronin?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Mr. Taggart want Casey's men to only use tasers on Ronin?

2. Describe the demon that attacks Ronin by the fire in Billy's dream in Chapter 1.

3. How does Casey feel about her men only being able to use tasers on Ronin?

4. Describe Billy.

5. Why does Ronin not kill Casey when he has the chance?

6. Why does Ozaki's apprentice wish to kill himself in Chapter 1?

7. What happens to Billy at the beginning of Chapter 2?

8. What type of relationship do Billy and Virgo share?

9. Who is the old hippie that Ronin meets at the end of Chapter 2?

10. Why does Head want "street credit" with the local gangs?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

A focus on good versus evil is prevalent throughout the story. There are many "evil" characters and not nearly as many "good" ones. Write an essay that explores the ideas of good versus evil as they are presented in the story. Which characters or organizations are presented as being evil? Which characters and organizations are good? How is the contrast of good and evil important to the story? What would the story be like without it? Make sure to use examples from the novel to support your opinions.

Essay Topic 2

There are many symbols emphasized throughout the story of Ronin. The Bloodsword is one of them. Write an essay that addresses some of the other symbols in the story. What are these symbols and why are they important? What do they represent? How do these symbols and ideas play into the plot of the story? Are these symbolic subjects the same throughout the course of the plot, or do their meanings evolve? Reference the novel to support your argument.

Essay Topic 3

Billy is first portrayed as being a simpleton. He follows Virgo's commands without question and does as he is told by others. Write an essay that delves into the mind of Billy. What types of things are important to him and why are they important? How does his connection to Casey play a major role in the story? In what way would the plot be different if Billy were an intelligent and normal human being? Explain your rationale by providing examples from the novel.

(see the answer keys)

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