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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. When will Dresden search for Susan?

2. Who is arguing when Harry arrives at a funeral?

3. What does the person who grabs Harry in an alley say will happen if Harry does not drop his amulet?

4. What is the homeless woman in the park's true identity?

5. Who hates Harry and wishes him to be dead?

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does Harry meet Billy in Chapter 1 and why is Billy concerned?

2. What happened that caused Harry to seclude himself and how is he dealing with it?

3. What and why does Karrin require Harry to do before she will talk to him?

4. What does the council tell Harry about the Red Court and peace and how does Harry respond?

5. What is the information Harry received from Toot-Toot?

6. What does Ms. Sommerset tell Harry about herself, why she is there and what is Harry's response? How does Ms. Sommerset deal with Harry's response?

7. Who is Ebenezer McCoy and what does he tell Harry? Why are they angry at each other. What two council members say they will vote with McCoy?

8. How does Harry go to Ronald Reuel's apartment, who does he encounter and what does he convince that person to do?

9. What does Mab tell Harry he must do in order to be free of her?

10. What happens to Harry at Ronald's funeral with three people he hears talking?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Harry Dresden is in some ways a larger-than-life hero. Despite incredible odds, he usually comes out on top, in this book and in the others in the series. Discuss the following:

1. Does having a larger-than-life hero make that person less of a hero? In other words, which of the following is more admirable: a hero who ultimately always "lands on his feet," or one who strives against impossible odds and doesn't succeed?

2. Does a character have to be successful in order to be a hero? Explain your answer.

3. Choose one other character besides Harry who you might call a hero/heroine and explain why you choose that person.

4. Does every work of fiction have to have a hero? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Often titles reveal much about one or more aspects of a novel. Discuss the following:

1. What do you think is the purpose of a title? How closely related to a major theme(s) of a book do you think a title should be? Or should it be?

2. How is the title Summer Knight relevant to the action of the novel? What sort of emotional/psychological response does the title evoke? Why do you think Butcher chose this title? If you were perusing the library for a book to read and saw this title, would it pique your interest? Why or why not. Does it seem to be the best title for the book?

3. If you were the writer of Summer Knight and your editor says the title must be changed, what would you choose? Why?

Essay Topic 3

There are a number of interesting questions raised by this book. Questions that most likely Butcher wanted the readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. Name one idea or concept you think may have been a part of the author's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Butcher's probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface? Why or why not?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author? Upon what do you base your opinion?

(see the answer keys)

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