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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. Why does Bell-the-Cat die?

2. How old is Margaret when the novel opens?

3. Where does Margaret await the formal invitation from Henry to come to his court?

4. Why is the birth of Margaret's second child a bit disappointing?

5. What do James and Margaret do after their marriage?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Margaret react to the death of her mother?

2. What does James do after the birth of his first child, a son, by Margaret?

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

4. Why is Margaret opposed to James bringing in his illegitimate children to the castle?

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

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

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

8. What kind of relationship does Margaret want with James?

9. Who is Margaret at Stobhall?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze one father/son relationship in "The Thistle and the Rose." Is it a positive relationship? A negative one? What does the reader learn about each character through their relationship with each other? What function does the relationship serve in the novel?

Essay Topic 2

Conduct a character analysis of "Bell-the-Cat." When does he appear? What function does he serve?

Essay Topic 3

Several battles play a key role in "The Thistle and the Rose." Discuss at least three challenges an author faces when writing battle scenes and at least three literary devices Plaidy uses when writing about battle in "The Thistle and the Rose," using examples from the text as supporting evidence.

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This section contains 666 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample