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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 does Dutiful say to Lady Vance that the Narcheska overhears?

2. Who is the leader of the Piebalds?

3. Why do the Piebalds want to keep Tom alive?

4. Who does Tom meet in Golden's chambers?

5. What does Tom tell Golden when he returns from the forest?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who goes riding with the prince and Lady Vance and what does Peottre announce?

2. What does Tom tell Hap about Nighteyes, how does Hap feel and why is Tom upset with Hap?

3. How is Tom able to go to his cottage to retrieve his belongings and what does he find when he arrives there?

4. How does Dutiful insult the Narcheska?

5. Why has Bingtown sent ambassadors to Buckkeep?

6. Who is Starling, where does Tom see her and what happens after Jinna's when Tom leaves Starling?

7. Why does Chade tell Tom Thick must be taught the Skill and what does Tom request of the Queen about Nettle?

8. How does Tom speak with his daughter in Chapter III?

9. Why is Tom sad at the beginning of the book, and what does Lord Golden say about Tom's sadness?

10. How does the Narcheska enter the betrothal ceremony, what does her father do and how do the Farseers feel about his action?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In "The Golden Fool" it appears that most of the true heroics are done by men. This type of stereotyping is changing and women are being given more and more active, heroic and physical roles in fantasy novels.

1. Discuss in detail, with examples, the various heroic qualities that are seen in Queen Kettricken.

2. Discuss in detail, with examples, the various heroic qualities that are seen in Laurel.

3. Discuss in detail, with examples, the various heroic qualities that are seen in Jinna.

Essay Topic 2

Choose one of the following to discuss:

1. Choose two significant symbols and trace and analyze their appearance in "The Golden Fool". Are these universal symbols? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other symbols that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Hobb chooses the symbols she does?

2. Choose two important metaphors and trace and analyze their appearance in the novel. Are these universal metaphors? Would they be understood in any culture? Are there other metaphors that would portray the same idea? What are they? Why do you think Hobb chooses the metaphors she does?

3. Discuss Hobb's use (or lack ) of literary device (such as foreshadowing, cliffhangers, deux ex machina, etc.), and how they add or detract from the story. Does Hobb use too many or too little literary techniques? State which of the five major elements of fiction the literary device is related to (style, character, plot, setting, theme).

Essay Topic 3

There are a number of interesting questions raised by "The Golden Fool". Questions that Hobb most likely want readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. What does the term "author agenda" mean?

2. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the Hobb's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Hobb's probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

4. Research the life of Hobb and see if/where her life may have influenced her writing.

(see the answer keys)

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