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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. ____ is the thing of Britain that is discussed mainly at the High Council.

2. Owain objects to ____ using Excalibur in a fight.

3. When Powys attacks Gwent, the ____ join the fray.

4. ____ is the name of the person that the monk scribes stories about.

5. Derfel works the fields, trains, and learns about Merlin, Arthur, and the ____.

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Nimue according to the description in the first part of the book?

2. Explain the ceremonial process of baby Mordred becoming king.

3. Explain the evil acts that Gundelus does involving Norwenna and Nimue.

4. Describe the opening of the novel.

5. Why does Arthur ask Derfel to check on Guinevere?

6. Explaina Arthur's role in Dumnonia as he prepares to leave to winter in Corinium.

7. Explain how Arthur winds up killing Owain.

8. What gift does Ceinwyn give to Derfel, why does she give it, and why does it have significance to Derfel?

9. Describe Norwenna's attitude, after Uther's death.

10. Do you think that it was right for the babies to be switched before Gundleus arrived?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose the character that you feel changed the most, as the story progressed, and answer the following questions about them:

1. What were they like in the beginning of the story?

2. What were they like at the end of the story?

3. When and why do you think the transition took place?

4. Do you feel that it was a good transition? Use at least two examples from the story to explain why or why not.

Essay Topic 2

Tristan brings to light the topic of standing up for what we think is right, despite what others, especially parents or elders, think.

Part 1: Do you think that Tristan was right to defy his father? Why or why not?

Part 2: What could the consequences be for Tristan's actions and what might the consequences have been for not following his instincts?

Part 3: List 3 present-day situations where it might be necessary to follow one's own instincts, despite what parents or elders might say.

Essay Topic 3

Lancelot is disliked by both Galahad and Derfel, in the story, partly because he is a liar. Yet, Merlin seems respected by all, even though he lies, in a way, by concealing his identity and suddenly revealing himself before leading Galahad and Derfel to safety by boat. Using at least one example from the book per question, answer the following questions:

Part 1: Why do you think that Lancelot felt a need to lie?

Part 2: Why do you think that Merlin felt a need to conceal his identity?

Part 3: Do you think that Merlin was just as bad as Lancelot because, in a way, he was lying? Why or why not?

Part 4: In real life, do you feel that there are any situations where it's good to lie or conceal the truth? If not, why not? If so, explain and list an example fromt he story that compares to that real-life situation.

(see the answer keys)

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