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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. Which lieutenant meets with Cuchulainn and strikes a truce?

2. Who is the youngest boy sent off to war for Ulster in Chapter XIII?

3. What does the healer use to replace the Ulster warrior's missing ribs?

4. How does the first day of fighting end for Cuchulainn and his foster-brother in Chapter XI?

5. What kind of weapon does Cuchulainn and his foster-brother use on their third day of fighting?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Medb and Ailill get Fergus drunk and send him to fight Cuchulainn, why doesn't Cuchulainn kill him?

2. What are the two choices Cethern is given by the royal healer and which does he select?

3. Why does Fergus fear a mere boy warrior, Erc?

4. How is it that Loch almost defeats Cuchulainn?

5. What causes Cuchulainn's massive killings to stop as Ailill and Medb's army approach?

6. How does Fergus lose his sword? What does he do without it?

7. What causes King Ailill's daughter Finnabair to fall dead?

8. Why does Ailill mock Fergus after he loses his sword? In what other way does Ailill mock Fergus and why?

9. Why does Ailill enlist the help of a spy and what does the spy report back to Ailill?

10. Describe Cur's attack on Cuchulainn. Who wins the fight and how?

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

What is the definition of main character? Name three main characters from The Tain and discuss the important role of each in the epic tale.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the protagonist in The Tain. Discuss the antagonist. Is there ever a time in the novel when it seems like they have reversed roles? Use the definition for the terms in your response.

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