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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 many new scythes are ordained at the conclave?

2. To which early scythe’s writings does Munira refer Faraday for information about early scythes’ personalities?

3. With what phrase do Tonists say goodbye?

4. What does Rowan note is “the unofficial motto of all Charter Regions” (247)?

5. How long is Scythe Constantine expected to convalesce after the attack on the theater?

Short Essay Questions

1. What reason does Mendoza give for darkness in Greyson’s bedroom?

2. What does the Thunderhead cite as primary examples of “circumstances beyond [its] control” (323)?

3. What reasons does Scythe Curie give for her antipathy towards Tonists (239)?

4. Consider briefly the symbolism of the name Scythe Faraday assumes in the District of Columbia.

5. What is the backup plan for the distraction at the assault on Scythes Curie and Anastasia at the theater? Why is it the backup plan (264-65)?

6. What reasons are given for the difficulty the novel’s characters have with mortal artwork (263)?

7. What problems attend Scythe Anastasia seeking to meet with Rowan after the attack on her at the theater?

8. Consider Scythe Constantine’s comment that he will attend the scythes’ conclave “even if they have to replace [his] blood with antifreeze to make it happen” (281-82). What is implied about him by the comment, and how is it implied?

9. What is present in the room to which Greyson is led when he arrives at the Tonist monastery?

10. What problems does Rowan identify in his attempt to escape Endura?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Scythe Curie remarks, “That’s exactly what the scythedom is: high school with murder” (344). Based on the novel, is that an accurate assessment? What in the text supports or undermines the assessment, and how does it do so?

Essay Topic 2

Tyger remarks that the language of Texas in the novel is “like listening to Shakespeare” (60). Follow the simile and its implications: what does it mean for Texan speech to be like Shakespearean, what does it suggest about Texas in the novel, and how does it do so?

Essay Topic 3

The Thunderhead remarks on its disembodiment, noting it as a good thing (75). Why might it be good for the Thunderhead to remain disembodied? What makes that reasoning good? What, in this context, does “good” mean?

(see the answer keys)

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