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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. How does Aliena react when a robber strikes Richard on the head, trying to steal his sword?

2. As Aliena plans the escape from William, what does she pack to take with her?

3. Who nudges the sheriff impatiently, wanting to hurry along the hanging?

4. What does William Hamleigh do when he finds Aliena in the earl's castle?

5. What is one of the first things Philip does in his new priory?

Short Essay Questions

1. What events take place when William Hamleigh goes to the castle at Shiring to claim it as his own?

2. Describe the condemned man's appearance.

3. Describe how Tom is hired to begin repairs of Kingsbridge Cathedral and what is the condition Philip sets about Ellen?

4. What is the fate of the White Ship and its passengers after it sets sail from England in 1120?

5. What is the secret compromise that Philip proposes to the Hamleighs about the forests and quarry in Shiring and how does this affect his relationship with Waleran?

6. Describe the design of the cathedral Tom proposes to build for Prior Philip.

7. Summarize the location and outcome of the birth of Tom's third child.

8. How does Tom first meet Ellen and her son, Jack?

9. How do Aliena and Richard escape from the castle?

10. Why does Lord William Hamleigh fire Tom from the job of building him a house?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

1) Compare and contrast Waleran Bigot and Prior Philip.

2) Describe the methods each use to secure their futures.

3) How do their methods differ? Which of the two men employ the most effective methods for a prosperous future?

4) Cite examples from the novel of the methods of the two men and the results.

5) Which man's approach to a situation had more prosperous and lasting results at the end of the novel?

Essay Topic 2

1) Analyze the resolution of the story as it relates to each of the main characters in the novel.

2) Explain the metamorphosis each of their experiences in the final chapters.

3) Describe how Philip's thoughts that the world will never be quite the same relate to the characters and the crown.

Essay Topic 3

1) Summarize the life of Prior Philip beginning with the death of his parents up to the point where he becomes Bishop of Kingsbridge.

2) Describe each eventful point in his life.

3) How does Philip react to each defeat and success?

4) How do his attitudes toward the church, morality, government, and his own spirituality change during the novel?

(see the answer keys)

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