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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 old is Mary when the novel opens?

2. How does Margaret react to James's desire to bring other children in to the castle?

3. How does Margaret learn that baby James has died?

4. Why does Bell-the-Cat die?

5. What does Margaret eventually realize after baby James dies about how James treats her in regard to his political affairs?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Henry respond to Margaret's letter requesting that he not invade Scotland shortly after James dies in battle?

2. How does Henry approach his future kingship when he is young?

3. Who is Margaret and James's child Arthur named after?

4. Why does James finally agree to marry Margaret?

5. Why does Albany agree to go to Scotland when the King of France requests it?

6. What happens with the transition of power after James is killed in battle?

7. Why are some people upset about how quickly Margaret married Angus?

8. How does the young Henry feel about Margaret's planned marriage to James?

9. What is unique about Margaret's marriage to James in England?

10. Why does the political establishment not think Margaret is able to rule until young James comes of age?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss how childbirth is portrayed in "The Thistle and the Rose." Is it conveyed as a positive experience for the women and men? How does it change the reader's opinion of women who have given birth, particularly those who have gone through difficult births or even died in childbirth? What literary devices does Plaidy use to convey the experience of childbirth to a modern reader reading about childbirth during this time in history?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast James and Henry. How are they similar and different as characters? How are they similar and different as kings?

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the character of Margaret from the beginning of "The Thistle and the Rose" with the character of Margaret at the conclusion of "The Thistle and the Rose." How is she the same? How is she different? What were the major factors that changed her as a character, and what kept her the same?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 810 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample