"Excalibur"

How does the information in lines 1-8 propel the action of the plot?

• It describes the significance of the sword.

• It establishes the setting of the poem.

• It introduces the characters and the plot.

• It provides a summary of events to follow.

Read the incomplete summary.

"Nobles come from all over the land to participate in a tournament. Sir Ector and his son, Sir Kaye participate, along with Arthur, Sir Ector's foster child. Arthur notices that his brother, Sir Kaye, has forgotten his sword and turns back toward the castle to retrieve it for him. When Arthur reaches the castle, he realizes no one is left to help him search for his brother's sword. Then Sir Ector recognizes the sword and questions Arthur about where he got it. Arthur tells him; Sir Ector has Arthur place Exalibur back in the stone and instructs Arthur to pull the sword from the stone again. Arthur easily pulls the sword a second time. All of the men kneel to greet Arthur, the rightful king."

Which sentence should be added to make a complete and accurate summary?

• Eager to impress each other, many men come from both near and far to show their skills.

• Although Sir Ector is Arthur's foster father, he treats Arthur as a true son.

• Frustrated, Arthur goes to the empty tent and pulls Excalibur from the stone to give to Sir Kaye.

• Arthur is more concerned about Sir Kaye having a sword than participating in the event himself.

Part A

Which statement represents a theme of the poem?

• Being prepared is a requirement for success.

• One does not have to be a blood relative to serve as a father figure.

• There are winners and losers in every competition.

• Seemingly insignificant choices can have lasting effects.

Which set of lines from the poem refines the theme selected in Part A?

• "Unknown to all, dead Uther's son

  Mix'd with the noble throng,

  Who dream'd not that to stripling page

  Could crown and throne belong." (lines 17-20)

• "And so, with brave and fearless heart,

  He made his bold essay.

  He grasp'd the handle in his hand,

  Its point leap'd sharp and free." (lines 43-46)

• "And ask'd of Arthur, 'Whither came

  The steel thou gavest Sir Kaye?'

  'I bore it,' was the plain reply,

  'From stone and tent away.'" (lines 53-56)

• "Thus Arthur through Excalibur

  Received his father's crown;

  And ever through Excalibur

  He kept his high renown!" (lines 77-80)

How does the poet create suspense in the poem?

• by using dialogue to reveal Arthur's thoughts and emotions

• by allowing the reader but not Arthur to understand the importance of the sword

• by contrasting the crowded tournament with the solitary event in the tent

• by using descriptive language to reveal Sir Ector's surprise when he sees the sword

Read lines 17-20 from the poem.

Unknown to all, dead Uther's son

Mix'd with the noble throng,

Who dream'd not that to stripling page

Could crown and throne belong.

Which two ideas does the speaker communicate about the crowd and Arthur in the lines?

• The crowd is unaware of Arthur's royal blood.

• The crowd believes Arthur is fit to win the prize.

• The crowd sees the resemblance of Arthur to his father.

• Arthur stands out among the nobility.

• Arthur has no aspirations to become a king.

Which word replaces wield as it is used in line 36 of the poem?

• request

• function

• employ

• conceal

How does the incident in lines 41-48 determine Sir Ector's actions?

• It causes Sir Ector to doubt Arthur's intentions.

• It causes Sir Ector to have Arthur prove how he obtained the sword.

• It causes Sir Ector to confront Arthur for entering the forbidden tent.

• It causes Sir Ector to treat Arthur as his own son.

Which set of lines from the poem supports the inference that Arthur's foster brother was embarrassed being unprepared for the tournament?

• "Sir Kaye look'd down, and paled to see

  No weapon at his side:" (lines 25-26)

• "To where lay idle in its sheath

  The kinght's forgotten blade," (lines 29-30)

• "My brother shall not go unarm'd

  To battle now!' cried he." (lines 47-48)

• "Come hither; strive again, my son!'

  And quick on Ector's sight," (lines 65-66)

What tone is established in lines 65-72?

• an amazed tone

• an envious tone

• a polite tone

• a weary tone