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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 strange about Fedelm?

2. Why is Medb convinced the Ulster men will be easily defeated?

3. How many babies are born at the finish line of the chariot race?

4. Who is Daire?

5. Which misty figure explains the Tain?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Setanta?

2. Why do the poets of Ireland gather in the section called "Before the Tain?"

3. Why does Macha curse the men of Ulster?

4. What was the prophecy spoken of Derdriu?

5. What does the owner of the prized possession think about the exchange offer and what is the ultimate result of it?

6. Describe the discussion between Ailill and Medb and what does it result in?

7. What is the prized possession being sought because of the king and queen's talk and where is it? What is offered in exchange for it?

8. Discuss "woman's thinking" as the great army nears Ulster.

9. What is unusual about Fedlimid's pregnant wife?

10. What vow does Cuchulainn make to himself and how is it related to the names of the fords and plains of the story?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Define exposition and discuss the exposition of The Tain. What does the reader learn about Celtic culture from the exposition in The Tain? Is the information consistent throughout the book or does it change? Explain your answer and reasoning.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the importance of loyalty as a motif in this novel. Be sure to define motif in your response.

Essay Topic 3

Define falling action as an element of plot. Discuss in detail the falling action in The Tain. How did the translator present it? How did the falling action flow? How did the falling action add to the suspense of the story?

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