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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. On what day is the scythes’ conclave slated to start?

2. The comment that “the line in the sand became a fissure that threatened to swallow those who did not choose a side” (327) offers an example of which of the following?

3. To what Tonist sect does Brother McCloud belong?

4. In what city does Scythe Anastasia purpose to trap her assailants during a stage play?

5. The comment that “he was cast into the belly of blandness, doomed to be digested by boredom” (290) offers examples of which of the following?

Short Essay Questions

1. What clues do Scythes Rand and Goddard leave to affirm what they have done to Tyger?

2. How does Xenocrates die? What occasions the death?

3. What reasons does Anastasia consider for assisting Greyson in evading Constantine?

4. What rituals attend upon opening the scythes’ conclave, and why are they important?

5. What requirements does the Thunderhead express for a new Grandslayer to be installed?

6. 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?

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

8. Briefly detail the symbolism of Scythe Anastasia’s inquest being scheduled for hearing on April 1.

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

10. What does the Thunderhead aver that it does not know?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Consider the following exchange:

“Yes, but the crystalline appearance of the tower pinnacles is beautiful, isn’t it?”

Xenocrates harrumphed at that. “Isn’t form supposed to follow function?”

“Not in the scythedom,” replied his valet (408).

Does the novel as a whole support the assertion? What in the text suggests whether it does or not? How does it do so?

Essay Topic 2

The Thunderhead remarks that “although I do not require devotion, am I not deserving of it?” as it considers its status relative to the deities worshipped in its past (158). Based on the text leading up to the comment—the beginning of the novel through Chapter 15, “Hall of the Founders”—is the Thunderhead correct? How or how not, and to what extent?

Essay Topic 3

Scythe Curie advises “Guard your conscience, Anastasia, and never let it wilt. It is a scythe’s most valuable possession” (191). Does the novel as a whole agree or disagree with the sentiment? What in the text indicates the dis/agreement? How does it do so?

(see the answer keys)

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