View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. For how long does Harry say they need to hold the pass?

2. What does Harry do when she climbs one side of the gap and draws Gonturan?

3. Who is amused that Narknon has traveled with Harry?

4. What does Mathin say is a sign of honor?

5. With what does Corlath slice his hand?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Luthe advise Harry about her questions about her future?

2. How does Harry get a sword and how does she become a Rider?

3. How do Harry and Sir Charles and Amelia reconcile and what is the end result of relations between the Hill folk and the Homelanders?

4. Who joins the group at a lunch stop and what does she tell Harry?

5. What does Harry do to defeat the Northern army?

6. What does Harry ask Jack and how does Jack feel about her and her request?

7. How does Harry get into Jack's residence?

8. Where does Corlath take Harry to stay near the palace and what does he say about the place?

9. What does Corlath tell Harry about the cottage and his mother?

10. What does Senay say about the filanon, and how many filanon join the group?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

As in many fantasy novels, magic is an inherent part of a few of the characters and can be wielded by other characters, though not as an inherent aspect of their nature. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the use of kelar in "The Blue Sword". Who possesses the ability to kelar as an inherent aspect of their nature? How does the inequality between those who can use it and those who cannot impact the plot of "The Blue Sword"?

2. Why do you think magic exists in so many fantasy novels? Do you think a novel can be "fantasy" and there be no magic as a part of the storyline? Why or why not.

3. Would you desire to possess the ability to use magic if there were such a talent in our world? Why or why not? What would be the advantages and disadvantages of possessing such an ability?

Essay Topic 2

Harry is in some ways a larger-than-life heroine. Despite incredible odds, she comes out on top, such as winning the laprun or destroying the Northern army. Discuss the following:

1. Does having a larger-than-life heroine make that person less of a hero? In other words, which is more admirable--a hero who ultimately always "lands on her 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 3

Discuss the following:

1. Who is/are the protagonists of the story and why?

2. Who is/are the antagonists of the story and why?

3. Which 3 secondary characters have the greatest impact on the plot?

4. Are any of the characters dispensable and which ones? Why or why not?

5. Do you think this is a character-driven plot or an action-driven plot? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,176 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample