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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. Who did Merlin find the old mine with long ago?

2. Who tells Ygraine the horrible news?

3. Uther tells Merlin he has no power except ________.

4. Whose death does Merlin assist after the battle?

5. Who is Ygraine's servant?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Merlin go to see the Lady Ygraine?

2. What does Lady Niniane say about the parentage of Merlin?

3. What happened when Ambrosius died?

4. Why is Uther mad at Merlin at the end of this story?

5. What happened to Vortigern and the Queen?

6. What news does the real Brithael give to the Lady Ygraine?

7. What does Merlin realize as he is sitting watching the battle at Maesbeli?

8. What happens in the battle between Merlin and Brithael?

9. What happens to help Merlin explain why the diggers have not found anything?

10. Why does Uther have no problem going up into the Lady Ygraine's room?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Crystal Cave is not only the title, but also a major setting in this story. To Merlin, it is a sort of birthplace for his powers and also a place where he restores himself.

Part 1 - Describe the appearance of the Crystal Cave and how Merlin came to find it in the first place.

Part 2 - Give at least 3 examples of lessons Merlin learned while in the Crystal Cave.

Part 3 - What do you think the Crystal Cave represents in the story? What is the larger metaphor for the cave's presence?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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