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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. Where do the boys intend to go when they leave the graveyard?

2. What has Severian been challenged to do by the masked man?

3. What does Severian name the dog?

4. What do people ask Severian to put on their handkerchiefs on the day of Agilus' execution?

5. Who is Severian's challenger?

Short Essay Questions

1. What vision do Severian and Dorcas see following the duel?

2. According to Agilus, why did the masked man challenge Severian?

3. What reason does Master Palaemon give Severian that the guild is unable to punish or kill Severian for helping Thecla?

4. What does Agia have Severian disguise himself as when they leave the shop to find the avern?

5. What does Agia tell Severian he should do rather than dueling with the masked man?

6. Who does Severian realize is Thecla's sister?

7. When will the duel occur and why must it occur at that time?

8. As Severian prepares to leave the city following the execution of Agilus, what does he learn about the priestesses?

9. Why does Severian hide the coin he receives from Vodalus?

10. Why does the guild teach torturer apprentices to tend wounds?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe what Severian's reaction to Thecla's letter reveals about his character? Why do you think a man in his position could be somewhat naive and gullible?

Essay Topic 2

Describe Severian as the protagonist of Shadow & Claw. How does he fit the role of protagonist? Does a torturer and executioner seem a likely hero? Why or why not? Is the character of Severian believable as a man of honor?

Essay Topic 3

Why is Severian in love with, or perhaps obsessed with, Agia even though she has proven herself to be unworthy of such attention? What about her seems to hold Severian's interest?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 557 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample