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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 has been made a servant by the Maidens?

2. Where does Rand lead the Aiel?

3. Whose attention does Mat attract as he is gambling?

4. Who is Valan Luca?

5. With whom does Elaida meet?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Elaida learn as she meets with her inner circle of advisers?

2. Who does Rand meet when he returns to his quarters and what does she want?

3. What happens to Nynaeve and Elayne and why?

4. What do the Wise Ones order Aviendha to do and what is her reaction?

5. Describe how Elayne, Nynave, Thom, and Juilin find a safe means to travel.

6. What does Gareth Bryne learn when he arrives in Lugard and what does he decide to do?

7. Describe Aviendha.

8. What is the sickness that has overcome many of the Aiel?

9. Who attacks Aviendha and Rand and how do the Maidens of the Shield respond?

10. What does Moiraine ask of Rand and why?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

THE FIRES OF HEAVEN belongs to the literary genre of fantasy fiction. Discuss the following:

1. Thoroughly define the term genre and offer examples of it from your own reading experience. Why do you think it is useful to categorize fiction into genres? What could be a disadvantage of doing so?

2. What do you think is the main motivation for a person to read a fantasy novel? Is entertainment a good enough reason? Are there any other reasons to read this genre? What? Explain fully.

3. In "academe," fantasy novels are often thought of as less literary than some other genres and for that reason are sometimes "snubbed" in the study of literature. Why do you think this is so? Do you agree with this "snobbery"?

Essay Topic 2

Elayne is one of the three women that Min saw in Rand's future, along with herself. The third will be the Aiel woman, Aviendha. Discuss the following:

Why do you think Jordan has Rand involved (eventually) with three women?

Does Rand's involvement with three women throughout the series add or subtract from the main story? Explain your reasoning.

Do you think it is believable that the three women are willing to share Rand's affections? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Rand becomes much more upset over the deaths of women than that of men, especially if he thinks he is in someway responsible. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast Rand's attitude towards women versus men. How are they similar/different? Is he less harsh towards women? Does he treat some women (such as Aes Sedai) differently than others?

2. When Rand hesitates to kill Lanfear, Moiraine has to intervene and is thus (probably) killed herself. Discuss and analyze this situation in light of Rand's attitude towards women and his thoughts about what happens in this scene.

3. Do you think Rand will change his attitude about killing women after what happens between Moirane and Lanfear? Why or why not?

4. Does Rand need to re-evaluate his attitude towards women? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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