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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 happens to Merlin once he is in the cave?

2. Who might be described as anxious and tired, and ready for the night's events to come to an end?

3. Who is the man who has been listening to Dinias and Merlin?

4. Where did Ambrosius and his men meet up with King Vortigern?

5. Who is Ygraine's servant?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Merlin reveal to the dying Cadal?

2. What does Blackbeard do to Dinias after he tells Merlin to come with him to see the King?

3. How would Merlin's mood be described as Uther is with Ygraine?

4. What happened when Ambrosius died?

5. What happens to Ambrosius?

6. Why is Uther upset with Merlin?

7. What does Merlin attend with Ambrosius?

8. Why was Killare thought of as a holy place?

9. What does Cadal say about Merlin's vision?

10. What does Merlin do when he arrives home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The images of the dragons are common in this story. They offer signs, omens, and information to those who are looking for them or who are knowledgeable about their meaning.

Part 1 - Give three examples of dragon symbols in this story.

Part 2 - Describe the significance of each of the dragon symbols you've chosen.

Part 3 - What are your thoughts as to the relevance of the dragon as a major symbol. What does the dragon stand for?

Essay Topic 2

Throughout history, Merlin has been regarded as a magical figure. But during this novel, it seems he is far more complicated than his mythology seems to indicate.

Part 1 - Give three examples of ways in which Merlin is a mystical character. How do you define mystical?

Part 2 - Is Merlin magical? Why or why not?

Part 3 - Does Merlin's reputation come in handy? When? Does Merlin use it to his advantage? When? Is this the right thing for him to do?

Essay Topic 3

The character of Keri seems minor at first, but her complexity seems to tell the reader there is more she has to offer.

Part 1 - Compare the Keri who was a nun, to the Keri that emerged after she left the nunnery.

Part 2 - What do you think Keri symbolizes in this novel?

Part 3 - Why is Keri's mouth compared to a cave in Merlin's descriptions? What does this seem to say about her role in his life?

(see the answer keys)

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