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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 kind of Old One is Will, according to the Walker?

2. What does The Lady remind Will of when he sees her for the first time at the manor?

3. According to the lady, what does the Rider want with Will?

4. What does Will do to tell Mr. Dawson about Maggie being an agent of the Dark?

5. What does the author mean when she writes, "He was crystal-clear awake, in a Midwinter Day that had been waiting for him to wake into it since the day he had been born..."?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Merriman disgusted that Will calls the road he was on "Tramp's Alley"?

2. How does Will demonstrate his immaturity when the Dark begins to rise?

3. In the opening chapter, Midwinter's Eve, how does the author use Mr. Dawson to foreshadow events that happen to Will later that night?

4. What is unusual about Will and his siblings' visit to Miss Greythorne's manor for caroling?

5. Why does Will use his powers to put the branch on fire?

6. Why are the tapestries important to Will?

7. What is odd about Hawkins?

8. Why is the Rider seeking Will?

9. What is the importance of the third sign?

10. What is the importance of the Rider asking Will to break bread with him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Herne Hunt and the Wren are ancient legends that are incorporated into the Dark is Rising text. How are these two tales important to the overall plot?

Essay Topic 2

How is the symbolism of the Light and the Dark portrayed throughout the novel, The Dark is Rising?

Essay Topic 3

How is Hawkin used by Merriman and the Old Ones? How does this effect his life and eventually the choices he makes?

(see the answer keys)

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