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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 is suggested to Ranofer about the hangings?

2. How often does Gebu come to the shop?

3. What is Ranofer often tempted to do when working?

4. Why does Ranofer go home slowly after work?

5. When Ranofer complains to the Ancient about his job what does the Ancient say?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the Ancient keep Ranofer from watching a punishment? Do you think the Ancient was right?

2. How does Ranofer feel when he wakes after his confrontation with Gebu? Why does he feel that way? How does Ranofer walk to work and what does he do on the way?

3. How does Ranofer find his new job and why do you think he works so hard at it?

4. How does Ranofer run into Heqet and what does Heqet suggest?

5. What does Ranofer do when he finally arrives home?

6. What kind of situation is Ranofer in at home and who are the only people he can trust? What might those friendships do for him?

7. What does Ranofer do with the wineskin the day he meets with Heqet? How does his brother respond and what does Ranofer hear his brother say?

8. In Chapter 6, where does Ranofer report for work, what does he do at work, and how does it affect him?

9. What does Rekh ask Ranofer to show him and then what does he tell him to do? How does Ranofer feel about this?

10. Where is Heqet going after lunch one day and what does he say to Ranofer?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ranofer needs to find someone to tell about the robbery, but the same thing that made this a good day to commit the robbery impedes Ranofer's attempt to find help. He has already gone to Zau's shop and found no one. Ranofer decides that his only chance is to go to the palace.

1. Knowing what you know of Ranofer's life thus far, how is do you think he could have developed the traits he demonstrates by his courage and persistence in looking for help? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

2. What do you think is shown by Ranofer's actions given that Ranofer going to the palace might be similar to a boy going to a governor's mansion in our present society? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

3. Do you think Ranofer's behavior and actions are consistent with his age? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Ranofer and Heqet argue when Heqet tries to get Ranofer to take some of his food. They are joined by the Ancient, who convinces Ranofer that taking Heqet's food would be doing him a favor. The boys then share their stories with the Ancient and include him in their growing circle of friendship.

1. Why do you think Ranofer argues with Heqet? Why do you think Heqet is insisting on his actions? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

2. Why do you think the Ancient believes Ranofer is doing Heqet a favor by taking some of his food?

3. What do you think, given the era in which this novel takes place, is meant by sharing stories? How important do you think sharing stories might be in a more primative era?

Essay Topic 3

Ranofer goes to Zau and reminds him of a time when Zau told Ranofer's father that he would like to make him a student someday. Zau admits that he remembers and tells Ranofer that he will take him on as a student and will not ask for his regular fee as long as Ranofer keeps that information from his other students. Ranofer tells Zau that he cannot quit his apprenticeship with Gebu. Zau informs Ranofer that he has his priorities messed up and he should come back when he gets his life in order.

1. Discuss the character traits that Ranofer exhibits by talking to Zau. Use examples from the book to support your answer.

2. Why do you think Zau told Ranofer he had his priorities messed up? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

3. Do you think Zau was being fair to Ranofer? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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