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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. How much longer does Applethorpe think Michael needs to train to be ready to fight?

2. Who accepts Richard's challenge against Michael?

3. What is Alec doing when Richard returns home, after going out?

4. After Richard kills Lord Horn, who is looking for him?

5. What happens when Lord Ferris tries to visit the Duchess?

Short Essay Questions

1. What letter do the kidnappers ask Alec to write to Richard?

2. Why does Lord Ferris want to see Richard after he is captured?

3. How does the Duchess act toward Michael?

4. What is Richard and Alec's last night together like?

5. What does the Duchess tell Alec about Richard and their relationship after Richard has left?

6. What does Richard say about the death of Lord Horn's swordsmen?

7. Where does Richard meet Katherine after the trial?

8. After Richard leaves the Duchess's estate, what is Alec's attitude?

9. What objection does Alec pose to writing the letter?

10. How do Alec and Richard react to Lord Horn lying at the trial?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The nobility in the novel is very concerned with appearances and fashion. Discuss the role of appearances and fashion in the novel.

1) How is the nobility obsessed with appearance? How does appearance affect social status?

2) Why doe Richard get a new suit to go to the theater? What is his perception of this suit, and what role does it play in the culture he is moving in?

3) What does the nobility's obsession with appearance and fashion say about their values?

Essay Topic 2

In many way, the novel is a love story about Richard and Alec. Discuss love in the novel.

1) How does Richard express his love for Alec? What does love mean to Richard?

2) How does Alec express his love for Richard? What does love mean to Alec?

3) How do the other characters express love? Is love different among different social classes? How is love viewed by society in general?

Essay Topic 3

The world of the novel is run primarily by men, leaving women as players in the background. Discuss the role of women in the novel.

1) What is the place of women in society in the novel? How is the role of women different on the Hill and in Riverside?

2) What is the Duchess's role in society like? How does she gather power in a world where men hold the power? How does she exemplify women among the nobles?

3) What is Katherine's role in society? How is her life different because she's a woman? What hazards and opportunities does her gender create?

(see the answer keys)

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